Tons of potatoes turn black

BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: Crops from half of 5,000 hectares of potato fields were destroyed here, blamed on "toxic substances from dew."

Regent Nurachmad said the temperature in the Dieng mountainous area often got as low as zero degrees Celsius and it was at this temperature that fresh potatoes could turn black in the morning. However he could not elaborate further.

Farmers have been warned not to plant potatoes during the cold season, he said. "But they don't want to listen. It is better to plant cabbages or beans during such a season."

Four districts have so far been affected: Batur, Kalibening, Wanayasa and Pejawaran. (45/edt)