When buying seed potatoes, it is worth choosing only metal-sealed seed tubers

By: STA Date: 2024. 04. 16. 10:00

For planting good-quality, reliable and healthy seed tubers, it is worth buying only metal-sealed ones, which are mainly available in farm shops, larger supermarkets, and specialty stores. Nébih has summarized what it is worth paying attention to when buying, and by presenting the official label, it also wants to help those who plant potatoes in order to achieve a high-quality, healthy crop.

(Photo: Pixabay)

It is important to know that in Hungary, seed tubers can only be marketed with a metal seal. The quality of these items is ensured by the entire official certification process that metal-sealed seed tubers must go through. This is indicated by the official label placed on the closed packaging, which refers to the breeding degree and class of the given lot.

The official label is a document proving the identification data and authentic sealing of the metal-sealed item

This is a unique identification mark on each roll unit of the lot, including the official serial number distinguishing each label. The information that must be included on the label is regulated by a regulation. It is important that the official label – in accordance with plant health legislation – also serves as a plant passport for potatoes.

Nébih, with the involvement of the staff of the county government offices, continuously carries out inspections in order to eradicate the illegal trade in seed potatoes and propagating material

During the market inspections, the specialists experienced the lack of proof of breed and origin as the most typical problem. Unqualified, small-sized potatoes were offered from crates for planting purposes, but the authority did not carry out phytosanitary tests on these lots. By planting them, the fruiting layer of gardens can more easily become infected with pathogens, so those wishing to produce can multiply unwanted viruses, bacteria or fungi. Potatoes that are left over from one’s own harvest displayed at fairs can only be used as table potatoes, they are not allowed to be sold as seed potatoes.

Nébih