Yields mostly good in potato crop

Irrigated potatoes have yielded up to 50% more than nonirrigated crops this year, according to Teagasc.

With less than 10% of the national potato crop left to harvest, quality and yields are good, but skin finish is a problem in some situations, and sprouting in Kerrs Pink is also an issue.

The area under potatoes in 2013 increased 16%, to 10,087 hectares, close to the five-year average. After a very cold start, the 2013 crop was subjected to drought conditions in many areas.

Average marketable yields are expected to increase to 35.8t/ha (14.5 t/ac), 21% ahead of 2012 yields, and similar to the five-year average.

Due to drought conditions, there is large variation in yields.