Potassium
Potassium and Potatoes
Potassium deficiency has been found to increase the
incidence of potato blight and other diseases such as alternaria
Potassium
improves plant health and vigour, making infection less likely. Potassium
increases the production of disease inhibitory compounds. When plant K levels
are low inorganic N accumulates and phenols which have fungicidal properties
are rapidly broken down. K deficiency also leads to thinner cell walls making
it easier for diseases to penetrate
The translocation of photosynthates is reduced by potassium deficiency
Potassium deficient tubers bruise more readily
Plants deficient in potassium wilt more readily on warm sunny days and have decreased drought resistance.
Poor rooting may limit uptake of K
Potatoes require high levels of K during tuber development and bulking, this is the period of maximum offtake andeven well fertilised soils may not supply the crop with sufficient K during this period
Potassium thiosulphate supplies a readily absorbed supply of both K and S