Netherlands: Biostimulant helps potato plant through critical period

Potatoes are sensitive to growth disturbances. In addition to external factors (abiotic stress), tuber formation and flowering are sensitive stages during growth; they can be seen as a ’natural stress moment’ of the potato plant. According to agricultural cooperative Agrifirm, the use of biostimulant Quantis can help potatoes through a critical period.

Quantis is a biostimulant based on amino acids, organic carbon and nutrients. The practical tests show that in both consumption and starch potatoes the dual use of the biostimulant has resulted in more and larger tubers per hectare. In addition, the yield was clearly higher.

Yield increase on sandy soils

For all grower trials in the Netherlands between 2021 and 2024, the average yield increase was 6.7 percent. The trials on sandy soils in Drenthe and Overijssel gave an average additional yield of 9.1 percent in the same period.

Furthermore, Agrifirm reports that a scientific study from the University of Nottingham from 2024 substantiates the effect of Quantis. This research shows that the biostimulant increases photosynthesis efficiency, both with and without heat stress and that it positively influences the hormone balance.

The advice is to apply Quantis in a dosage of 2 litres per hectare around tuber formation. ’Carry out the follow-up spraying with an interval of two weeks and when there is heat and/or drought stress, a third application is recommended’, reports Agrifirm. The biostimulant can be mixed with other agents without any problems.