I've just lifted my crop of maris pipers to find that 80% have little holes in them. Some are not too deep and there doesn't seem to be anything lurking inside. Are they still okay to store or will I be eating potato pie for the next 6 months? My pentlin javelins were untouched - perfect in every way. Are the maris pipers particularly tasty to slugs?
Any advice greatly appreciated.
mine have been hit by blight had to lift them early have little black marks on them wouldnt say they were holes though
Usually it is unwise to store crop that is not perfect. You usually need to eat them first. If you must - store them separate and eat them before the best ones - they wont store for long........... 8)
Slugs,very often underground Keel slugs.
They are loften like icebergs with a lot of burrows under an innocent looking hole.
They will not keep so eat them now.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=N0m5Qt1ipro
it's probably wireworm damage. We have it on our Rockets but not on the Charlottes or PFA. You get a lot of them if you've just converted a grass area for growing stuff
Similar here, Maris Pipers have small holes, Anya, Red Duke of York, Sharpe's Express & Kestrel all ok, and all planted in the same general area. The Maris Piper must smell better to beasties!