Spain: The Kennebec potato campaign is progressing with good expectations in Xinzo de Limia

In a plot planted in mid-April, this variety is showing very positive performance in both its development and production, even under unconventional growing conditions.

Melani Araujo, a farmer from Crismel SC, says from the farm that the plantation is performing better than expected.

A notable aspect of this campaign has been the use of cut seed potatoes, a practice that initially generated uncertainty among producers due to the possibility that some seeds would not germinate.

The potato was large and was cut for planting. From a single piece, we are obtaining a large quantity of potatoes, which demonstrates the excellent performance of the Kennebec variety, Melani explains. 

The seed used was size 65, which required dividing it into several fragments before planting. While this method optimizes the use of planting material, it can also increase the risk of losses during germination. However, in the case of the Kennebec potato, the results have been very satisfactory.

At Crismel SC they believed that part of the planting might fail because they had never worked with cut potatoes before. 

The successful establishment of the crop has resulted in a uniform population and balanced development of the plot, a crucial aspect for obtaining high yields at harvest.

We even decided to sow at a distance of 28 centimeters, anticipating that some plants might not thrive, but none failed, Melani explains.

Although the crop has developed well, the season has encountered difficulties. High summer temperatures forced adjustments to the irrigation schedule to prevent the plants from completing their cycle prematurely. Currently, irrigation is being carried out to maintain vegetative activity and promote proper tuber development.

"The temperatures were very high and we are watering to prevent the plant from dying prematurely," Melani says.

The characteristics of the plot also affect water requirements. Being close to the urban center, it behaves differently compared to other production areas in the region.

This farm is close to the village and it is not necessary to irrigate as much as in other plots in the lower part of La Limia, but this year the heat has been intense and it has been necessary to add water, he adds.

Currently, the crop is in an advanced stage of development. According to the farm manager, the potatoes are practically halfway through their growth cycle, and the harvest is expected to begin in early September if weather conditions are favorable. 

Expectations are optimistic both because of the health status of the crop and because of the productive potential that the Kennebec variety is showing. 

Melani is confident that the coming weeks will bring a successful campaign to a close for the entire sector. She notes that economic success will depend not only on the production volume but also on market performance during the sales period.

We hope that by the beginning of September we can have a good harvest, that the season will be favorable for everyone and, above all, that we can get good prices, he concludes. 

The development of this plot confirms the enormous agronomic potential of the Kennebec variety in one of Spain’s most emblematic potato-growing regions. Despite the high temperatures recorded this summer, proper crop management and the good response of the planting allow us to approach the final stretch of the season with optimism, hoping for favorable weather and market conditions during harvest.