Would this work?

[nao57]

So... I've done a lot of experiments with vegetable plants. Often they work. not always. ONE of those experiments is how you can cut potatoes in half and then sprout both halves for more potatoes...

Well in one of my experiments I found that many of the potatoes will spoil and mold out if the potato has already been weakened by storing it too long. If the potato is fresher this will work better. (Although it doesn't mean that every old potato will fail, just that the fail rate goes up.)

Because of this... I wondered about this question that I hoped to get feedback on. Is it possible to use a lighter, or flame baster or whatever to burn a light scab over the 2 halves exposed new cut end to seal it to prevent mold? And has anyone tried this? (Without causing the eyes to fail sprouting or failing at the same time.)

Thanks.

 

[Meadowlark]

I routinely cut my seed potatoes in half or thirds or even more depending on size and number of eyes. I normally cut them several days before planting. I coat the cut with elemental Sulphur and allow them to dry several days before planting.


They don't spoil or mold or rot except in extreme circumstances where it rains continuously after planting and the cuts are allowed to stand in water. I haven't experienced that in over 40 years of growing potatoes. Sulfur works...plus it is acidic which is good for the spuds.

IMO, it isn't necessary or desirable to use flame to scab over the cut and in fact it may hasten rotting by damaging the potato cell structure.

...Well in one of my experiments I found that many of the potatoes will spoil and mold out if the potato has already been weakened by storing it too long.

The seed potato can be weakened also by improper storage.... too much heat, too much light, etc. In my experience, seed potatoes are at their optimum strength when first coming out of dormancy and beginning to grow "eyes". That's when I like to plant them for max production.

 

[nao57]

I routinely cut my seed potatoes in half or thirds or even more depending on size and number of eyes. I normally cut them several days before planting. I coat the cut with elemental Sulphur and allow them to dry several days before planting.
View attachment 109080

They don't spoil or mold or rot except in extreme circumstances where it rains continuously after planting and the cuts are allowed to stand in water. I haven't experienced that in over 40 years of growing potatoes. Sulfur works...plus it is acidic which is good for the spuds.

IMO, it isn't necessary or desirable to use flame to scab over the cut and in fact it may hasten rotting by damaging the potato cell structure.



The seed potato can be weakened also by improper storage.... too much heat, too much light, etc. In my experience, seed potatoes are at their optimum strength when first coming out of dormancy and beginning to grow "eyes". That's when I like to plant them for max production.

That's an interesting idea! Thank you for commenting. I hadn't thought about trying fungicide.