A Study of Quality in Potatoes. 



235 



1903. 



As a general rule, seemingly immature potatoes found in the market 

 are the result of late planting; but it is true that a bulk of normally 

 planted potatoes will contain some immature tubers, being those 

 which did not form until late in the season. L. R. Jones and W. 

 A. Orton of Vermont* show that a considerable part of the yield of 

 marketable tubers developed after September first. It is quite likely, 

 therefore, that a stock might contain many immature tubers. Con- 

 siderable work has been done at some of the other Stationsf in 

 attempts to determine the best dates for the planting of potatoes. 

 But all of these investigations have been conducted in consideration 

 of yield only, and none in consideration of quality. Nearly all of 

 the evidence points to early planting as most satisfactory from the 

 standpoint of yield. When late planting is advocated, it is usually 

 because of certain conditions which enable the plants to escape 

 disease. 



Our own investigations along this line cover a period of two years, 

 but in addition to yield, quality also was considered. The following 

 figures indicate the yield of potatoes planted late as compared 

 with those planted early for the two years: 



♦Vermont Rep. for 1899. 



tConsult the following: Nevada Bui. 20, Mich. Bui. 108, North Carolina 

 Bui. 146, Canada Experimental Farms Rpt. for 1901, and Wobum Experimental 

 Farms Rpt. for 1901. 



