Destroying above-ground green shoots in the cultivation of edible and industrial potatoes is an important agrotechnical procedure, which primarily facilitates the work of a potato harvester or diggers. Dead potato leaves and damaged weeds from secondary weeds do not wrap around and clog the working parts. Tubers also reach physiological maturity faster, making them more resistant to mechanical damage that may occur during harvesting and transport. However, this procedure plays more roles. It also has a phytosanitary effect, limiting or actually stopping the development of many diseases and pests. Therefore, in the case of seed plantations, i.e. those focused on the production of seed potatoes, this is an agrotechnical element that cannot be omitted. Without destroying the leaves, it is difficult to obtain tubers of the size of a seed potato and meeting the quality standards set for the propagating material.
What can be used to destroy potato leaves? There are three methods, none of them are perfect
For years, chemical drying with diquat dominated. The face of this method changed 180 degrees after this substance was withdrawn from the EU market. The decision to do so was made in 2018, and supplies had to be used by February 4, 2020. The lack of this substance became an incentive to develop other options. Currently, there are four methods of destroying cuttings: chemical, mechanical-chemical, mechanical and thermal. Each has its advantages, but also disadvantages.
