a) (i) Name two common varieties of potato - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 1 - 2012

Seed bed preparation involves the following steps:

1. Deep tillage: The soil should be ploughed or rotavated to a depth of at least 20 cm to improve aeration and drainage.
2. Soil testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
3. Fertilization: Incorporate organic matter and fertilizers based on the soil test results to ensure nutrients are available for the plants.
4. Seed selection: Choose certified seed potatoes that are disease-free.

The control of potato blight can be achieved through:

1. Fungicide application: Apply fungicides at the first sign of the disease to protect the crop.
2. Crop rotation: Rotating potatoes with non-solanaceous crops reduces the build-up of disease spores in the soil.
3. Resistant varieties: Select resistance varieties and maintain good air circulation in the crop.

Weed control in potato cultivation involves:

1. Manual weeding: Regular hand weeding to remove weeds without damaging the potato plants.
2. Herbicide use: Applying pre-emergence or post-emergence herbicides depends on the specific weeds present.

Harvesting potatoes typically involves:

1. Timing: Harvest when the foliage starts to yellow but before it fully dies back.
2. Equipment: Use a potato harvester or manually dig using a spade to avoid bruising.
3. Handling: Carefully lift potatoes to prevent damage, and store in a cool, dark place.

Two reasons why coastal areas are suitable for early potato production include:

1. Warmer climate: The proximity to the sea moderates temperatures and helps in early growth due to reduced frost risk.
2. Well-drained soils: These areas often have sandy soils, which allow for quick drainage, promoting healthier potato crops.

Two reasons why crop rotation is important include:

1. Disease prevention: By alternating crops, the life cycle of pests and diseases can be disrupted, reducing their prevalence.
2. Nutrient management: Different crops utilize various nutrients, and rotation helps to replenish soil structure and fertility.

To determine the dry matter content of potatoes, follow these steps:

1. Sample collection: Weigh a known quantity of fresh potatoes (e.g., 100 grams).
2. Drying: Place the potatoes in an oven at a controlled temperature (e.g., 70°C) until all moisture evaporates, typically 24 hours.
3. Re-weighing: Once dried, weigh the potatoes again to find the dry weight.
4. Calculation: Calculate the dry matter percentage using the formula: ext{DM ext{ (%)}} = rac{ ext{Dry weight}}{ ext{Fresh weight}} imes 100.
5. Record results: Repeat for a more accurate average and document findings.