Agriculture
The potato plant (Solanum tuberosum) is a
perennial herb, but in agriculture it is used as an annual
crop. Although potatoes grow seeds, the
seeds are rarely used when potatoes are planted.
Seed tubers are most commonly used to plant potatoes.
A tuber is the swollen part of the rhizome or stolon.
You may know it as the starchy part of the plant that
you eat. Check out the
Reproduction page for more about CLONED potatoes!
The largest type of potato is most commonly used for restaurants and
baking potatoes. Spherical potatoes are preferred for making potato chips
because of their shape. Red potatoes hold up well to roasting and boiling, and
are a bit waxy in texture. Blue potatoes, with a violet-blue skin and blue
starch, are a gourmet choice. Fingerling potatoes, calle d as such because they
are the size of a finger, are a frequent choice in gourmet Asian cuisine. The
life of a potato is far more versatile than French fries in a Happy Meal.
All potatoes are grown in rows that are hilled to reduce the amount of waters
the potatoes sit in, which in turn reduces the risk of potatoes developing rot.
The hills also allow more room for the tubers to develop.
Farmers who grow potatoes face an abundance of crop complications.
Check out the Diseases and Pests
page for more information about some of the biological factors that hamper
potato growth.
For more information about growing your own potatoes visit
http://www.healthwayfarms.com/potatogrowing.html
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