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HOLES IN MY SPUDS

• Message 1. 

  Posted by meadowsweet1 (U3052222) on Thursday, 26th January 2006

  Last year I grew Maris Piper pots, and when I harvested them, about 80% were riddled with holes.
  Can anyone please offer some advise as to the problem and possible cure?
  
  Thank you for your assistance

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by weedy (U2329409) on Thursday, 26th January 2006

  First thing I thought of was slugs munching on yer spuds? Take usual precautions vs. the little blighters. Be aware that if you earth up with garden soil there will be some hiding in this too. I grow them in either spud tubs and bog standard very cheap compost, or a large pot depending what I'm using for what and how organised I've been. Last year I tried spuds in an old compost bag but it fell over a lot, got a slug infestation at one point and finally split top to bottom - so not recommended. Others may have more suggestions as to the culprit and the cure...

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by lance-scaper (U2904712) on Thursday, 26th January 2006

  
  Hi
  Sounds like wireworm.When you dug your spuds up did you see any creepy crawleys.Wireworm are a shiny yellowish orange in colour with a darker head,and have stiff bodies.They attack roots as well as the tuber. They make tunnels about 3 mil wide which can then attract slugs and millipedes.Try to lift the crop before sept.You can use HCH on the tubers as you plant them,or spray with I think its diazinon.There is also lindane but there was talk of it being a bit dodgey so it might have been withdrawn.If you are not happy using chemicals you can try sticking canes through lumps of spud and sticking it in the ground. This will collect them for you so remove and check at regular intervals. The ground will eventualy clear of them over a couple of years or so.
  regards
  lance

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by Berghill (U2333373) on Thursday, 26th January 2006

  Lindane????????Thought this appalling stuff was banned years ago, It is one of the most carcinogeric products ever sold!
  
  I agree, it does sound like wireworms or possible keeled slugs. Not easy to deal with either, some years are worse than others and some varieties more susceptible than others.

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• Message 5

  , in reply to message 4.

  Posted by Berghill (U2333373) on Thursday, 26th January 2006

  To add to comment about Lindane, look at the Food Commission Home page.
  To Quote
  Lindane is a persistent organic pollutant according to the UN Environment Programme. It has been found in increasing concentrations in the marine environment and particularly the North Sea. It is highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates and fish.
  Cases of human poisoning by lindane have been reported in Europe. Children are significantly more susceptible to its toxic effects. Exposure to lindane has been linked with blood disorders and it has also been linked with abnormalities in children born after their mothers were exposed to lindane during early pregnancy.
  Lindane has been classified as a possible human carcinogen. It also disrupts hormone function, and evidence suggests that in areas where lindane is used the incidence of breast cancer is higher.
  Lindane can accumulate in animals eating plants treated with lindane. Recent data published by the joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Codex Committee suggests that some people in Europe may be eating up to twelve times the acceptable daily intake for residues of lindane

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• Message 6

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by misssweetpotato (U2994014) on Thursday, 26th January 2006

  Whether eelworm or slugs, the shorter the time potatoes are in the ground, the less likely they are to be attacked by anything. Unless you have loads of space, grow only 1st or 2nd earlies. Suppliers will also advise on varieties which are resistant to attack.
  
  Personally I can see no point in growing my own and lacing it with chemicals.

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• Message 7

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Harringtongrower (U3072690) on Saturday, 28th January 2006

  Could I suggest that you use one of the many slug resistant potatoes. I have grown Kestrel successfully on my allotment for about six years now even though in the past I had had difficulty with other varieties. I have also found that it is usually only the maincrop varieties that are affected. Another tip is not to leave your potatoes in the ground any longer than necessary but most importantly keep your garden clean. It gives those little nasties less places to hide.
  Accent are not affected, Nadine only slightly and for an early variety try Juliette.
  

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