In a recently published fact sheet, Jiwan Palta, a professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin, provides growers with an overview of the role calcium plays in potato development and tuber health. Palta was the recipient of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Researcher of the Year Award for 2016 and has been studying the role of calcium in potato production for many years.
The benefits of calcium application that he highlights include:
- Reduced storage rot;
- Reduced incidences of internal defects, including hollow heart, brown spots, black spot bruise;
- Reduced impact of heat and cold stresses on plant;
- Reduced incidence of internal heat necrosis of tubers; and
- Improved seed piece quality and sprout health (more robust plant).
The factsheet was compiled in collaboration with Ryan Barratt at the Prince Edward Island Potato Board in Canada. It can be viewed in the PDF file attached below.