When choosing a cultivar, focus on those that provide disease and climate resistance, as well as those that show greater adaptability. A farmer should also consider what the crop will be used for; certain markets demand certain cultivars.
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Potato cultivars can be categorised into short-, medium- and long-term growers, with each offering advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed up according to the capabilities of the farm and the climate.
The Agricultural Research Council recommends that first-time potato farmers consult other potato farmers in the region to understand what works best in that specific climate.
Planting dates and conditions (dryland vs irrigation), and whether the crop requires high, medium or low inputs, should be taken into account before choosing a cultivar.
Farmers must also take note of relevant diseases prevalent in the area to ensure that, where possible, a resistant variety is planted.
Justin Platt, managing director of RegenZ, says that genetics play a big role in reducing pesticide applications, and thereby production costs.
“Varieties like Valour and Mondial have greater disease resistance, but since these potatoes have rougher, darker skins, they may not be appealing to all markets. But if you are serving a market that does not chase potatoes with smooth, light skins, or your budget does not allow for extensive chemical applications, then Valour and Mondial are a good bet.”
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Yields can vary greatly depending on cultivar selection, inputs and management. Platt therefore notes that farmers should match the size of the crop to the capabilities of the farm’s pest and weed control, crop nutrition, and irrigation capabilities.
“Under South Africa’s load-shedding schedule, potato farmers in South Africa also have to plan their crops around a future of interrupted power supply.”
According to the latest research data from Potatoes South Africa, obtained from cultivar trials in specific production regions, the following varieties performed the best in their respective regions:
Sandveld, Western Cape: The Lanorma variety topped the list for dependability, followed by Panamera and Sifra over a three-year period. Over a five-year period, Sifra proved to offer the most consistent performance, followed by Panamera and Mondial.
Reitz, Free State: Mondial took the top spot for consistent performance, followed by Sound and then Palace.
Petrusburg, Free State: Cultivars showing the best stability over the last five years are Sound, followed by Sifra, and then Lanorma. The highest yield was obtained from a new variety developed by GWK, 91A3. The cultivar with the best marketing index was the Commando variety from Wesgrow, followed by 91A3, and then Lily.
Limpopo: Cultivars showing the best stability over the last four years are Sound, followed by Mondial, and then Foxy. The best yield was obtained from Foxy, followed by Sound and then Mondial.
Enrike Verster, a researcher at Potatoes South Africa, says that it is important to note that while these cultivars performed the best in these trials, it is not necessarily the best cultivar for each respective grower as environmental factors may differ. They do however offer a good guideline.
