Drought and disease leave their traces in potatoes

The yield expectation for potatoes in the European Union has been corrected by the JRC in the most recent edition of the Mars bulletin. A 2% correction has been made for the hectare yields across the EU. Germany shows the largest decrease. There, potato crops are plagued by the Stolbur disease. It is dry in large parts of the European Union. This has affected the crops, especially those planted and drilled in the spring. There have been long, warm periods in almost the whole of Europe. However, according to JRC data, in most places this has not led to a significant rainfall deficit. Central Europe or Southern France would be the places to look for that. Scandinavia is the only area with a surplus of rainfall. Effect of heat For the Benelux region, the JRC mentions almost average rainfall, except for the coastal regions in the Netherlands and Belgium. Grain yields are good, leading to an upward correction. The effect of high temperatures on root crops such as potatoes and beets varies. Growth is negatively affected by this. The latest forecast in the Mars bulletin stands at 36.5 tons per hectare for potatoes in the EU. This is equal to the five-year average but 5% lower than expected in June. Compared to a year ago, the yield is slightly lower. Decrease in Germany Germany shows the biggest deviation. Analysts have estimated the yield to be 4% lower than in June. Compared to last year, the hectare yield of 41.1 tons is 9% lower, and compared to the five-year average, it's 5% lower. Only in Romania, the decrease from June is even higher at 10%. The main reason for this decline is the Stolbur disease transmitted by leafhoppers. This problem is particularly prevalent in Southern Germany affecting sugar beets and potatoes, and there are concerns that it may become a problem in other Western European countries in the future. Reports of this phytoplasma are now widespread throughout Germany, causing significant damage. Potato yield in the Benelux region The JRC left the Dutch yield of 42.4 tons per hectare for potatoes unchanged. Belgium's yield increased by one percent to 42.3 tons per hectare, which is 8% higher than last year and 4% higher than the five-year average. The estimate for France remained unchanged.