Untitled Deck

Question 1

What is the Latin name for potatoes?

Answer 1

Solanum tuberosum

Question 2

What family do potatoes belong to?

Answer 2

Solanaceae

Question 3

What is the average potato consumption per person in Ireland?

Answer 3

85kg per person

Question 4

How many hectares of potatoes are planted on average in Ireland each year?

Answer 4

About 9,000 hectares per year

Question 5

What percentage of potato production in Ireland is concentrated in Meath, Dublin, Donegal, Cork, and Louth?

Answer 5

80%

Question 6

What is the first stage of the potato growth cycle?

Answer 6

Sprout development

Question 7

What occurs during the vegetative growth stage of potatoes?

Answer 7

The green material of the plant grows, and photosynthesis begins.

Question 8

What happens during the maturation stage of potato growth?

Answer 8

Leaves turn yellow, photosynthesis decreases, and tuber growth decreases.

Question 9

What are the three classifications of potato types based on harvesting time?

Answer 9

First early, second early, maincrop

Question 10

What are salad potatoes characterized by?

Answer 10

Small and quick to cook, supplied from August to December.

Question 11

What are the advantages of certified seed potatoes?

Answer 11

High percentage germination, better rates of establishment, higher yield, fewer weeds, fewer pests and diseases.

Question 12

What is the main disadvantage of certified seed potatoes?

Answer 12

They can be expensive and must be bought every 2-3 years.

Question 13

What is the recommended pH for potato cultivation?

Answer 13

5.5 - 6.0

Question 14

What is chitting in potato cultivation?

Answer 14

Encouraging seed potatoes to sprout to 1cm before planting.

Question 15

What is the main disease affecting potatoes in Ireland?

Answer 15

Potato blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Question 16

What is the primary control method for potato blight?

Answer 16

Fungicide application

Question 17

What is the effect of excess nitrogen on potato crops?

Answer 17

It can cause delayed maturity and increased vulnerability to disease.

Question 18

What are the main pests affecting potato crops?

Answer 18

Potato cyst eelworms, slugs, wireworms, and aphids.

Question 19

What is the process of earthing up in potato cultivation?

Answer 19

Mounding the soil further up the growing haulm.

Question 20

What should be done to haulms before harvesting potatoes?

Answer 20

They must be desiccated 3 weeks prior to harvest.

Question 21

What is the ideal storage condition for potatoes?

Answer 21

Cool and dry conditions.

Question 22

What can cause bruised and damaged tubers?

Answer 22

Worn and sharp edges on machinery parts.

Question 23

What is the expected yield for maincrop potatoes?

Answer 23

30-40 tonnes per hectare.

Question 24

What is a risk associated with allowing potatoes to drop?

Answer 24

Allowing potatoes to drop in height in excess of 20cm can cause damage.

Question 25

What conditions are necessary for potato storage?

Answer 25

Potatoes need to be stored cool and dry.

Question 26

Why is ventilation important in potato storage?

Answer 26

Ventilation in the storage shed is important to maintain quality.

Question 27

What is a safety concern for farm workers during harvest?

Answer 27

Farm workers are tired and working hard with dangerous machinery.

Question 28

What can be sprayed on potatoes to prevent sprouting?

Answer 28

Inhibitors can be sprayed on potatoes to prevent sprouting.

Question 29

What should be ensured regarding machinery during harvest?

Answer 29

Ensure all machinery is in good working condition.

Question 30

What should you avoid doing while a harvester is in operation?

Answer 30

Do not walk behind the harvester while it is in operation.

Question 31

What protective equipment should be worn when handling chemicals?

Answer 31

Wear PPE when handling chemicals such as sprout inhibitors.

Question 32

How is agricultural biotechnology being applied in potato farming?

Answer 32

It is being applied to improve disease resistance and quality.

Question 33

What are the implications of agricultural biotechnology?

Answer 33

It has major implications for sustainability.

Question 34

What challenges may agricultural biotechnology help address?

Answer 34

It may help with challenges like banned chemicals or climate change.