Reductions in a Commercial Potato Irrigation Schedule during Tuber Bulking in Florida: Physiological, Yield, and Quality Effects

Abstract

Proper irrigation scheduling in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) can lead to higher returns and more sustainable production practices when compared to systems that do not take plant water demand into account. In an attempt to reduce irrigation applications while minimizing yield reduction, we evaluated a novel deficit irrigation treatment utilizing a mild irrigation reduction during tuber bulking by comparing a typical commercial irrigation schedule to a partial irrigation schedule. Physiological, yield, and quality effects were quantified. Reducing the number of irrigation applications by 14 in 2011 and by 9 in 2012 minimally affected most parameters measured. However, a significant yield reduction of 11,713 kg/ha in the partial irrigation treatment occurred in 2011, likely because of the irrigation treatment commencing at the latter portion of tuber initiation. In 2012, the initiation of the partial irrigation was delayed and resulted in no significant difference in yield between the partial and full irrigation treatments. This study shows the potential for a reduced irrigation schedule for use by Florida potato growers as a sustainable option for potato production in this region.