Xintai Gongli Potatoes

Xintai Gongli Potatoes

　　Gongli potatoes have a cultivation history of over a hundred years. Before the 1960s, ancient local varieties severely degenerated due to viruses and were gradually replaced by newly introduced or bred varieties. Currently, the main varieties grown in Gongli include Lu Yin No.1, Jin Yin No.1, Dutch Seven, and Dongnong 303. Modern medical research has shown that eating more potatoes can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and boost the human immune system, among other benefits. Processed fast-food potato chips have a fine texture and offer a light yet crispy mouthfeel.

　　　 Gongli potatoes have well-developed root systems, strong mineral nutrient absorption capabilities, rapid growth, and a short growing period, taking only 55–60 days from sprouting to harvest. In the early growth stage, they are relatively cold-resistant, with tubers able to germinate at 6–7°C. The optimal germination temperature is 12–18°C, while the ideal temperature for tuber expansion is 17–20°C. The crop requires significant water during growth: suitable soil moisture for the seedling stage is 50–60% of field capacity, 70–80% during the foliage development stage, and 80–85% during the early to mid-tuber formation stage. Moisture should gradually decrease to 50–60% in the late tuber formation stage. The early tuber formation stage is the most sensitive to water deficiency, which can lead to yield reduction. Insufficient water supply and fluctuating temperatures during the tuber formation stage can cause irregular tuber growth.

　　　 In recent years, the potato planting area in Gongli Town has been increasing year by year. In 2001, the planting area reached 22,500 mu, with over 6,000 large arch greenhouses. Early spring potatoes generally hit the market from mid-April to early May, yielding about 1,500 kilograms per mu, with an output value of around 3,000 yuan. Late-maturing potatoes are usually available from early to mid-June, yielding about 2,250 kilograms per mu, with an output value of approximately 900 yuan per mu. They are mainly sold to regions such as Hong Kong, the Northeast, Nanjing, and Guangdong.