AGRICULTURAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE USE OF BIOSTIMULANTS AND HERBICIDES IN CULTIVATION OF THE TABLE POTATO CULTIVAR GAWIN

Abstract

Background. Integrating mechanical cultivation measures with herbicides adapted to the state and degree of weed infestation effectively reduces segetal vegetation. Biostimulants in turn have a positive effect on plant growth and development and increase plant resistance to the adverse effects of various stress factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the production and economic effects of cultivation of the table potato cultivar Gawin after the use of mechanical measures, herbicides and herbicides with biostimulants. Material and methods. The field study was carried out in the years 2012–2014 at the Przedsiębiorstwo Wielobranżowe Soleks, in the town of Wojnów located in the Mazowian Voivodeship, on light soil with quality class IVb which is classified as the very good rye complex. The test plant was the medium-early table potato cultivar Gawin. The experimental variants comprised of five methods of using mechanical and chemical measures: the control variant – only mechanical weeding and four variants with the use of herbicides or the use of herbicides and biostimulants: Harrier 295 ZC (linuron + clomazone), Harrier 295 ZC (linuron + clomazone) + Kelpak SL, Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin) and Sencor 70 WG (metribuzin) + Asahi SL. The standard gross margin method was used for the economic assessment of the methods of cultivation. Results. The total tuber yield on variants with mechanical and chemical cultivation was 22.5% higher compared with the control variant, and the marketable yield was 39% higher. Despite the relatively high costs incurred to protect the potato from weeds, integrating mechanical measures, herbicides and biostimulants was cost-effective. Conclusion. The highest yields of the cultivar Gawin (total and marketable) and the best economic effect in relation to the control variant were obtained using intensive mechanical weeding as well as the herbicide Sencor 70 WG and the biostimulant Asahi SL.