Pre-cutting of seed potatoes

Pre-cutting of seed was investigated to overcome problems of delayed emergence, slow uneven development and reduced plant stands, frequently associated with cultivars Shepody and Yukon Gold grown in Michigan. Pre-cutting consisted of cutting seed potatoes 2 weeks before planting. Seed potatoes were taken from 5°C storage and warmed to 15°C for 2 days, then cut and stored for 2 weeks at 15°C and 85–90% RH. In 1986, pre-cut seed of cultivar Shepody was compared with fresh cut seed. In 1987, the tests were repeated with Shepody and Yukon Gold. In both years, one-half of the cut seed was treated with fungicide Tops 2.5Di.