Early potatoes in Italy with particular reference to Sicily

Summary

In Italy, the early potato cultivars of greatest economic significance are those grown off-season, in a cycle which is generally much earlier than the typical spring-summer cycle. Of the area given over to early potatoes in Italy, more than 90% is in the southern regions. The economic value of this production is due to its extraseasonality, which allows much of the early potato harvest to be sold on foreign markets. In Sicily, more than 5000 ha of potato are grown, with a high frequency of potato crops on small plots. Early potatoes are often rotated with various fruits and vegetables, and the length of the cycle is variable, from 100 to 140 days. Choosing the most suitable cultivar is the most complex aspect of early potato growing. Of the criteria used, tuber growth rate has shown most validity. In Sicily two cultivars are mainly grown: Sieglinde and the more recent but well-established Spunta. Agricultural techniques used for early potato cultivation vary depending on the area. An overview of the agronomic practices used in different areas is given in this paper.