Summary
Two years’ results with various methods of killing potato vines are discussed. Most chemicals which killed the vines rapidly also produced an objectionable xylem discoloration in the tubers. This was especially true of the phenol compounds. Ammonium sulfate killed the vines fairly rapidly when applied at the rate of 200 pounds per acre in 100 gallons of water. The xylem discoloration was not serious. Mechanical vine shredders are gaining in popularity and may replace chemicals as a means of hastening maturity. A survey showed a negligible amount of tuber discoloration as a result of this method of killing the vines.
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Published as scientific Paper No. 884, Agricultural Experiment Stations, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, State College of Washington, Pullman.
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Rich, A.E. The effect of various defoliants on potato vines and tubers in Washington. American Potato Journal 27, 87–92 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02850237
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02850237