Experimenting Hydroponic Culture Systems on Different Substrates to Obtain Potato Minitubers

Abstract

The production of minitubers using the hydroponic method has become an important component in the production of seed potatoes in developed countries. The objective of the study is obtaining minitubers (Prebase), free from diseases, from the transplantation of vitroplants on industrial substrate and different hydroponic systems. The hydroponic culture involves growing plants on artificial substrates, or in a sterile, porous substrate with a high-water permeability. The parameters analyzed in this study were: average number of minitubers / plant and average weight of minitubers/plant. By using hydroponic system, a high minitubes production was obtained. The trifactor experience of the type 4 x 2 x 2 with 16 variants used the following graduations of the studied factors: experimental factor a, variety, with four graduations: a1 - Braşovia; a2 - Castrum; a3 - Marvis; a4 - Sarmis; experimental factor b, culture substrate, with two graduations: b1 - expanded clay; b2 - perlite; experimental factor c, the hydroponic system: c1 - Wilma; c2 - Nutrient Film Technique. These variants were experimented in 3 repetitions. Castrum variety was remarked by obtaining a high number of minitubers and also by weight of minitubers. Nutrient Film Technique hydroponic system had a positive influence on minituberization, for minitubers number, but also for weight of minitubers. Perlite substrate has determined obtaining high values for both studied parameters.