Desiccation Decisions in a Dry Season: Managing Secondary Growth and Crop Quality

In an exceptionally dry and challenging potato-growing season, making the right desiccation decisions has never been more important. In this podcast, Oliver Johnson, Commercial Technical Manager, is joined by Stef Dierickx, Business Development Manager, to discuss the impact of prolonged heat and drought on potato crops across Europe. The conversation explores how extreme weather conditions are affecting crop development, yield potential and the risk of secondary growth in both irrigated and non-irrigated crops. Oliver and Stef share practical insights into recognising the symptoms of secondary growth, understanding its potential consequences for tuber quality, and why careful crop monitoring is essential following rainfall or irrigation events. Drawing on experiences from both the UK and Europe, they explain why a measured and considered approach to desiccation may be particularly important this season. The discussion also highlights key considerations around flailing, crop stress, skin set and protecting storability to maximise the value of harvested potatoes. Listeners will gain valuable advice on maintaining crop quality and making informed desiccation decisions in a year where traditional approaches may need adapting. Join us as we examine how careful agronomy and thoughtful crop management can help safeguard potato quality when conditions are anything but typical.