Following a dry June and what is turning into an even drier July, growers on Prince Edward Island are beginning to get concerned about the impact on the potato crop.
“As the days and now weeks start to go by in July, we haven’t had any additional rainfall,” says P.E.I. Potato Board general manager Greg Donald. “On top of that, [we] have had above normal temperatures, so [there is] concern that it’s going to have an impact on the crop by harvest time.”
The last day with more than a centimeter of rain falling on Prince Edward Island was July 2. Two-thirds of the way through the month, only 20.4 centimeters (8 inches) of rain has fallen. The average for July is 80 centimeters (31.5 inches).
Donald says the crop looks good right now, but it is a critical time. Late planting, due to a wet month in May means the plants are just starting to develop potatoes.
Ideal conditions would be about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of rain a week. Fewer potatoes will grow, and they won’t grow as big, if the lack of moisture continues.
Source: CBC