Affect Potato Yield Research Articles

Tuber growth and biomass partitioning of two potato cultivars grown under different n fertilization rates with and without irrigation

Nitrogen and water deficiencies are known to affect potato yield, but much less is known of their effect on tuber growth and biomass partitioning. The objective of this on-farm study conducted at two sites in each of three years, 1995 to 1997, was to determine the effects of supplemental irrigation and N fertilization rates on tuber growth and biomass partitioning of the cultivars Shepody and Russet Burbank. The N fertilization rates were 0,100, and 250 kg N ha-1in 1995, and 0, 50,100, and 250 kg N ha−1 in 1996 and 1997. The highest bulking rate observed in our study (7.3 g fresh tubers m-2 °C-1) can be considered near the potential bulking rate in New Brunswick. The water deficit in the absence of supplemental irrigation reduced this potential bulking rate by as much as 40%, but this reduction was much less at five of six sites and negligible at two of six sites. Nitrogen deficiency reduced the bulking rate at two of six sites. This negative effect of N deficiency on bulking rate was greater with irrigation than without irrigation at two of six sites; the tuber bulking rate with irrigation was reduced by as much as 50% with no N applied at one site. Shepody had a greater bulking rate than Russet Burbank. The tuber bulking of Russet Burbank, however, started earlier and lasted longer than that of Shepody. Water and N deficiencies increased biomass partitioning to tubers and large roots. Shepody partitioned a greater proportion of its biomass to large roots and had a greater root biomass than Russet Burbank. Our results demonstrate the ability of potatoes to modify biomass partitioning when grown under water and/or N stresses. As a result of this compensation, the reduction in tuber yield due to limited N and water stresses is minimized.

Potato intercropping systems with maize and faba bean

Potato is a major cash crop for Bhutanese highland farmers, who widely use intercropping systems combining potato (Solanum tuberosum) with maize (Zea mays). Scarcity of information on existing cropping practices limits the scope of present extension programs. Experiments evaluating potato intercropping systems with maize and faba bean (Vicia faba) were conducted at Yusipang (2700 m) and Kangma (1900 m). Potato yield reductions through intercropping ranged from 0–21 percent depending on year, and location. Variation in planting geometry and maize planting date did not affect potato yield reductions. The land equivalent ratio ranged from 1.03–1.06 for faba bean and from 1.11 to 1.49 for maize intercropping systems. Compared to potato as a sole crop maize intercropping increased gross benefits in Kangma by 12–15 percent with maize plant densities of 2.8 per m2. In Yusipang, gross benefits were not increased through intercropping. Reducing risks of environmental and market impacts favor the use of intercropping systems.

Quackgrass (Agropyron repens) Control in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) by Fluazifop

In greenhouse and field studies, fluazifop {(±)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]phenoxy] propanoic acid} controlled quackgrass [Agropyron repens(Beauv.) # AGRRE] in potato (Solanum tuberosumL. ‘Russet Burbank’). Quackgrass control with fluazifop at 0.25 and 0.5 kg ai/ha in the greenhouse was greatest with application at the two-leaf stage compared with the four-and six-leaf stages. Control was not affected by rhizome length, with similar control obtained of plants grown from 2- and 10-node rhizome pieces. Removal of quackgrass shoots at 6 or 24 h after treatment resulted in decreased control at application rates of 0.25 and 0.5 kg/ha. Fluazifop at 0.5 kg/ha controlled quackgrass treated at the four-leaf stage. The active enantiomer of fluazifop at half the rate of the racemic mixture controlled the quackgrass to the same extent. Fluazifop did not affect potato yield.

Effect of Irrigation on Soil Temperature, Potato Yield and Specific Gravity During Early Summer1

Abstract ‘Kennebec’ and ‘Irish Cobbler’ potatoes were irrigated when 1/3 or 2/3 of available soil moisture was depleted in a 3-year study. Control plots were not irrigated. Soil temperatures at 4-inch depth were equal in irrigated and non-irrigated soils one year and 2° and 7°F (1.1° and 3.9°C) cooler in irrigated soils the other 2 seasons. U.S. No. 1 yield of ‘Kennebec’ was greater with irrigation when 1/3 available moisture was depleted in a low rainfall and high temperature season. ‘Irish Cobbler’, the same season, produced greatest yield by irrigating when 2/3 available moisture was depleted. Number of U.S. No. 1 tubers differed between seasons and followed yield trends. Specific gravity and number and weight of tubers were all inversely related to air and soil temperatures. Air and soil temperatures apparently are the major factors affecting potato yield under Kansas growing conditions.