Tuber Grade Research Articles

Effects of film mulching and soil wetted percentage of drip irrigation on soil hydrothermal conditions and sweet potato growth

Sweet potato is widely cultivated in China because of its drought tolerance, low planting cost and richness in various nutrients, such as crude protein, carbohydrates, and cellulose. Field experiments were conducted at the Special Potato Experimental Station, China Agricultural University, Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China, in 2020 and 2021 to investigate the effects of film mulching and soil wetted percentage on soil hydrothermal conditions and sweet potato growth. Three mulching treatments (black plastic mulching, BM; transparent plastic mulching, TM; and no mulching, NM) were applied on the raised bed surfaces after drip tape laying and three soil wetted percentages (0 %, P0; 30 %, P1; and 60 %, P2) were conducted during irrigation. Soil temperature and water content, vine length, and stem thickness were monitored at each growth stage and tuber grade, yield, and quality were measured at harvest. The results indicated that mulching had significant effects on soil temperature, sweet potato growth, grading, water use efficiency, and yield. The BM and TM treatments significantly increased the soil temperature at the 0–5 cm soil depth up to 4.4 and 3.7 °C during the seedling stage, respectively. Three hours after the irrigation, the soil temperature at the 5 cm soil depth decreased by 6.4, 7.3, and 6.7 °C in the NM, TM and BM treatments in 2021, respectively. The BM treatment significantly increased the tuber number and weight of the sweet potato (tuber weight > 200 g) by 63.4 % and 73.7 %, respectively, and the TM treatment by 63.5 % and 70.7 %, respectively. The sweet potato yield with the film mulching treatments was 10.8–20.8 % and 44.4–59 % greater than that without the mulching in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The film mulching significantly increased the water use efficiency and decreased the excess water content during the rainy season. Film mulching was more important for the growth of the sweet potatoes than the irrigation in this study.

Studies on Integrated Nutrient Management and Growth Regulator Application on Production, Productivity, Quality and Economics of Processing Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Students’ Research Farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar during rabi season of 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments viz., T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (70% RDF + 30% FYM), T4 (70% RDF + 30% Compost), T5 (70% RDF + 30% Poultry manure), T6 (70% RDF + 30% FYM + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha), T7 (70% RDF + 30% Compost + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha), T8 (70% RDF + 30% Poultry manure + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha), T9 (33.3% FYM + 33.3% Compost + 33.3% Poultry manure) and T10 (25% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Compost + 25% Poultry manure + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha) with three replications. The data obtained revealed that treatment T2 (100% RDF) obtained higher number of stems/hill being statistically identical with all the treatments except T10, T9 and T1. Maximum plant height, LAI and haulm DMA were recorded in T2 which was statistically at par with T3, T4 and T5 and significantly superior to the rest of the treatments. The yield attributes and yield viz., number of tubers/plant, average tuber weight, processable tuber grade and total tuber yield was recorded significantly higher in T2 than all other treatments but remained statistically at par with T6, T7 and T8. Regarding the quality parameters, all the treatments showed non-significant variation except tuber dry matter content which was found significantly higher in T1 and lower in T2. The highest gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were also obtained in treatment T2 followed by T8.

Effect of phosphorus levels on nutrient availability, growth and yield of potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The experiment was conducted on potato (cv. Kufri Khyati) at the main experiment station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Ayodhya (U.P.) during the Rabi season of 2016-17. Seven treatments were arranged in randomized block design with four replications. The experimental findings showed that the use of RDF 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 was found better with respect to promotion of growth, yield and quality parameters of potato. The maximum value on growth characters were also recorded with RDF 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 in potato. It was found significantly superior over other treatments in almost all growth characters. The yield contributing characters such as the weight of A, B, C and D grade tubers per plot and the yield of tubers (q ha-1) were influenced significantly by using different levels of phosphorus. The maximum yield (388.79 q ha-1) was recorded with the application of RDF 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 in potato. It was found significantly superior over the rest of the treatments. An application of RDF 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 was found to be most effective for optimum growth: maximum tubers yield (388.79 q ha-1) and maximum net return Rs. 139062 as benefit cost ratio 1.47 on this dose of Phosphorus in the year’s investigation.

YIELD EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF POTATO IN BAJHANG DISTRICT OF NEPAL

A field experiment was carried out in Bithadchir rural municipality of Bajhang district, Nepal in 2021 in the title “Yield evaluation of different varieties of potato in Bajhang district”. The experiment was carried out to find out the best varieties for the hills and high-hills of Nepal based on their availability, suitability and previous record of performance and to assist the farmers to increase the potato production and ensure their food security. One factorial RCBD experimental design was used to evaluate the yield of different varieties. The varieties used as a treatments are Cardinal, Desire, Axona, Blue Danube and Bajhang Local. The results from our experiment shows that cardinal had maximum tuber weight per plant (515.75 gm), highest large grade tuber percentage (37.95%) and also the highest productivity (29.47 t/ha). Moreover, highest number of tubers (14.55) with maximum medium grade tuber percentage (34.71%) was found in Bajhang local. Similarly, being a native variety of the region, the growth parameters (number of main stems per hill, leaves and leaflet numbers, and canopy diameter) and also some yield parameters (number of tubers per plant, tuber size grade) of Bajhang local were also impressive. Therefore, the findings of our research conclude that Cardinal is the best variety under study in terms of yield and variety Bajhang local cultivation should also be promoted due to its wide adaptability in the existing local microclimate.

Grade wise yield and economics involved in potato c.v kufri chipsona-1 under different nutrient treatments

The present experiment was conducted at the, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV,Gwalior (M.P.) during the Rabi season of two consecutive years 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment wascomprised of treatments combinations of inorganic fertilizers viz., (100% NPK), (75%NPK) and (50% NPK),farm yard manure and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB) tested on potato processing cultivar KufriChipsona-1, for yield and economics parameters. The experiment was laid out in Randomized CompletelyBlock Design (RCBD) with three replications. The tubers were sown in plots of size 3 x 3 m at a spacingdistance of 60 x 20 cm. Observations for yield parameters were grade wise yield of tubers (kg/plot),processing grade tuber yield (T/ha), marketable tuber yield and total yield (T/ha) of potato tubers. Thetreatment combination I3O2B3 (100%NPK+FYM 20 t/ha + PSB2.5kg/ha+ Azotobacter 2.5 kg/ha) resulted inmaximum ‘A’ grade tubers (8.2 kg/plot) and maximum ‘B’ grade tubers (7.5 kg/plot) during the pooledmean data, of the experiment. The treatment combination I3O2B3 also resulted in maximum total yield (22.6t/ha). Whereas minimum total yield (15.6 t/ha) was obtained in treatment I1O1B2. The highest benefit costratio was recorded (2.56) with treatment I3O2B3 followed by (2.47) treatment I3O2B1.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Varieties on Yield, Size and Number of Tubers of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

An experiment was conducted for determination of most suitable planting dates for cultivation of potato during Rabi season of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at Main Experiment Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.). Five planting dates (17 October, 27 October, 7 November, 17 November and 27 November) and four varieties (Kufri Ashoka, Kufri Pushkar, Kufri Bahar and Kufri Arun) were arranged in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept, replicated four. Total tuber yield (q ha-1), total number of tubers plant-1, total number and weight of “A” grade (>75g), “B” grade (50-75g), “C” grade (25-50g) and “D” grade (0-25g) tubers plant-1. The result revealed that planting on 17 November produced maximum tuber yield i.e. 391.59 quintal and 404.59 quintal per hectare during 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. However, the minimum total tuber yield i.e. 282.61 q ha-1 and 291.74 q ha-1 was recorded when planted on 27 November during both the years of investigation. Among the varieties the maximum total tuber yield was obtained i.e. 376.33 quintal hectare-1 in variety Arun followed by Kufri Pushkar. However the variety Kufri Ashoka and Kufri Bahar found to be at par during 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively.

Analysis of yields quantity and quality of several sweet potatoes genotypes at different harvest ages

Efforts to increase production and yield quality can be done by planting local superior genotypes and setting the right harvest ages. This research was conducted to analyse the effect of harvesting age and genotype on the quantity and quality of sweet potato production. The location of planting in the research area on Jalan Pasar 1 Medan Selayang, from May to September 2019. This research used a randomized block design with 2 factors, namely local genotype (Perbaungan, Cengkeh Turi with orange tuber, Cengkeh Turi with yellow tuber), Beta-1 and harvest age (14,16, and 18 weeks). The highest production quantity indicated by the tuber weight, the best harvest quality indicated by the fresh tuber grade A grading and the highest yield index were the local genotypes of Cengkeh Turi with yellow tubers. The highest grade B fresh tuber grading was produced by Perbaungan local genotypes. Beta -1 variety produced the highest plant fresh weight. Sweet potato harvested at the age of 18 weeks produced the highest tuber weight, the best grade A fresh tuber grading, and the highest yield index. Production weight and yield quality were not influenced by the interaction between the treatment of harvest age and sweet potato genotype.

Study on Morphological, Physiological Characteristics and Yields of Twenty-One Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars Grown in Eastern Sub-Himalayan Plains of India

The present study was conducted in the eastern sub-Himalayan plains of West Bengal, India, to evaluate 21 potato cultivars (including table- and processing-type) and assess their suitability in terms of improved physiological responses, yield performances, stability and profitability. A significant difference in various growth attributes, i.e., plant height, number of stems per plant, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter (DM) accumulation, and crop growth rate (CGR), was noted amongst different cultivars. Significant variation was also observed in net photosynthesis rate (NPR), transpiration rate (TR), and stomatal conductance rate (SCR) recorded at various stages of growth. Amongst all the cultivars, ‘Kufri Chipsona-4’ showed the highest SCR at both 60 and 80 days after planting (DAP), while ‘Kufri Pokhraj’ had the highest NPR at both 60 and 80 DAP. However, the highest TR was achieved with ‘Kufri Chipsona-3’and ‘Kufri Surya’ at 60 and 80 DAP, respectively. ‘Kufri Pukhraj’ and ‘Kufri Himsona’ achieved the maximum and minimum tuber bulking rate (TBR) values at initial growth stages (upto 60 days), respectively; however, ‘Kufri Arun’ and ‘Kufri Surya’ had significantly higher TBRs during the later part of growth (after 60 days to maturity), leading to higher tuber yields amongst the medium maturing cultivars. Among the 21 cultivars, ‘Kufri Arun’ showed the maximum total tuber yield (35.52 t/ha), followed by ‘Kufri Pukhraj’ (33.54 t/ha) with higher marketable grade tubers. In terms of production economics, ‘Kufri Arun’ achieved the maximum net return (USD 2137.4) and B:C (benefit:cost) ratio (2.17), suggesting the suitability of this cultivar in the eastern sub-Himalayan plains of West Bengal. The early maturing ‘Kufri Pukhraj’ and processing variety ‘Kufri Chipsona-3’ also showed their suitability in terms of net returns and B:C ratio. The heat-tolerant variety ‘Kufri Surya’ also achieved a tuber yield of 31 tha−1 with satisfying net return (USD 1596.9) and B:C ratio (1.88), suggesting the suitability of this cultivar in this region under terminal heat stress. However, the stability analysis showed that the cultivars ‘Kufri Khyati’ and ‘HPS II/67’ were the most stable in terms of additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) stability value (ASV) and yield stability index (YSI), respectively.

The Results of Testing Several Potato Varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) Under The Stands of Immature Coffee Plants

Potatoes have the potential to be developed as a source of carbohydrates in supporting food diversification programs. Reduced potatoes production has resulted from a decrease in the land area for potato cultivation. The effort that can be made to increase land productivity is through multiple cropping systems such as intercropping, intermittent intercropping, streak planting, annual intercropping, and agroforestry. It is necessary to use idle land under plantation stands that have not been optimized, in increasing productivity and efficiency of agricultural production systems. This study aims to get the varieties that have the best growth and yields planted under immature coffee stands. This research applies a Single Factorial Experiment in Completely Random Design, where the factor is four levels of potato varieties, Granola (V1), Bliss (V2), Kentang Merah (V3) and Batang Hitam (V4). Observations made include plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, tuber length, tuber diameter, weight per tuber, number of tubers/plat, and total tuber by grade tubers (Small, Medium, Large, Very large). Based on the analysis variance of each observation variable shows, there is an effect of the variable observation except the width of the leaves. Granola provides the best response to the growth and yield of potato plants

Correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and components traits in different genotypes of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under Eastern Uttar Pradesh condition

The correlation studies conducted in thirty diverse genotypes of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). the analysis of correlation coefficient revealed that the magnitude of genotypic correlation was higher than phenotypic correlation for most of the characters and observed that the weight of ‘B’ grade tubers per hill (g), number of tubers per hill, number of ‘B’ grade tubers per hill, number of ‘C’ grade tubers per hill, weight of ‘C’ grade tubers per hill (g) and number of ‘A’ grade tubers per hill while number of ‘D’ grade tubers per hill and weight of ‘D’ grade tubers per hill (g) were significantly and positively associated with yield of tubers per hill. On the other hand, path analysis studies exhibited that the maximum positive direct effect on yield of tubers per hill was exerted by number of tubers per hill, number of ‘D’ grade tubers per hill, weight of ‘C’ grade tubers per hill (g), number of ‘B’ grade tubers per hill, number of ‘A’ grade tubers per hill, number of leaves per plant, number of eyes per tuber and plant height (cm) at genotypic level. Based upon correlation and path analysis, weight of ‘B’ grade tubers per hill (g), number of tubers per hill, number of ‘B’ grade tubers per hill, number of ‘C’ grade tubers per hill, weight of ‘C’ grade tubers per hill (g) and number of ‘A’ grade tubers per hill while number of ‘D’ grade tubers per hill and weight of ‘D’ grade tubers per hill (g) could be reliable selection parameters for improvement of potato.

Influence of Phosphorus Fertilizer on Potato Seed Production in Acid Soils in Kenya

One of the major challenges facing potato (Solanum Tuberosum L) production in Kenya is the inadequate supply of high-quality seed. The required amount of potato seed in Kenya is about 70,000 tones annually but, only 1 % is available. Otherwise, farmers use low quality farm saved seed (KEPHIS, 2016). A major contributor to this situation is low and declining soil fertility, particularly phosphorus, among other challenges. Unfortunately, there is no available phosphorus fertilizer rate recommendation for seed potato production in Kenya. This hinders economic utilization of phosphorus fertilizers to achieve optimal production of quality potato seed in Kenya where its deficiencies are dominant. Therefore, this study investigated influence of different rates of phosphorus fertilizer on seed potato tuber yield and quality in three acidic (pH ≤ 5.8) test sites: Lari, Ainabkoi and Saboti sub Counties. Unica and Shangi varieties were tested. The field experiment was a split plot arrangement in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments (0 N & 0 P), 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1 phosphorus, replicated three times. Data collected included tuber weight, number of tubers, tuber grade, number of eyes per tuber, tuber specific density and final germination percentage. To monitor soil nutrient dynamics, soil pH, soil available phosphorus, total nitrogen, total carbon, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, sodium and exchangeable acidity (Lari only) were determined at planting while available phosphorus and potato tuber phosphorus were determined at harvesting. Data was statistically analysed using ANOVA at 5 % confidence levels with General Statistics (GENSTAT) and excel softwares. Results indicated that phosphorus rate significantly influenced seed tuber yield in the test sites. At Saboti, (0N & 0P) and no phosphorus application treatments for Shangi and Unica resulted in the highest seed tuber yield of 33.7 t ha-1 and 33.2 t ha-1, respectively. At Ainabkoi, application of 60 kg ha-1 and 30 kg ha-1 phosphorus produced the highest seed tuber yields of 20.0 t ha-1 and 18.9 t ha-1 of Shangi and Unica, respectively. In Lari, application of 60 kg ha-1 and 90 kg ha-1 phosphorus produced the highest seed tuber yields of 19.0 t ha-1 and 10.4 t ha-1 of Shangi and Unica, respectively. Unica had better final germination percentage than Shangi. During the season, there was a build-up of soil available phosphorus. Thus, there is need for farmers to test their soils at the onset of every potato season.

Optimization of Seed Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Production: Effects of Pre-Sowing Gibberellic Acid Treatments and Planting DensityOptimization of Seed Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Production: Effects of Pre-Sowing Gibberellic Acid Treatments and Planting Density

Bu araştırma, tohumluk patates yumrusu üretiminde dikim öncesi gibberellik asit uygulamaları ile dikim sıklığının etkinliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla Isparta koşullarında 2016 ve 2017 yıllarında yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada, dikimden önce tohumluk yumrulara 0, 1.5, 3.0 ve 4.5 ppm dozlarında GA3 uygulanmış ve yumrular 20, 25 ve 30 cm sıra üzeri mesafelerde dikilmiştir. GA3 uygulamaları patateste ana sal sayısı, ocakta yumru sayısı, tohumluk yumru verimi ve toplam yumru verimini önemli derecede arttırmıştır. Dikim sıklığı arttıkça ocakta yumru sayısı, ocak verimi ve ortalama yumru ağırlığı azalmış, tohumluk yumru verimi ile toplam yumru verimi ise artmıştır. Tohumluk yumru verimi bakımından en etkili uygulamalar 3.0 ve 4.5 ppm GA3 uygulanarak 20 cm sıklıkta yapılan dikimler olmuş, bu uygulamalar ile A sınıfı tohumluk yumru veriminde yaklaşık % 57, B sınıfı tohumluk yumru veriminde ise % 88 artış sağlanmıştır. Çalışmada patates yumrularının dikim öncesi 3.0 ppm GA3 uygulanarak 20 cm sıra üzeri mesafede dikilmeleri ile toplam yumru veriminde azalma olmadan tohumluk sınıfına giren yumru veriminin arttırılabileceği anlaşılmıştır

Effect of intra row spacing, dates of haulm cutting and fertilizer dose on disease free quality seed tuber production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under new Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most popular tuber crop in West Bengal, India. Seed tuber is the single most important factor in potato cultivation and if the seed is not of good quality, then optimum production could not be achieved. Unavailability of good quality seed, high price and untimely supply of seed at the village level are the main limiting factors in potato production. Field experiments were conducted during rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal to determine the effects of intra row spacing, dates of haulm cutting and fertilizer dose on disease free quality seed grade tuber production of potato. The experiment was laid out in a split split plot design with three replications having twelve treatment combinations. The results revealed that with the decrease in intra row spacing from 20cm to 15cm seed grade size (< 75g) tuber yield and numbers and total tuber numbers were significantly increased but marketable grade (> 75 g) tuber yield and numbers were significantly reduced. Haulm cutting at 65 DAP increased the seed grade size tuber yield and numbers over 75 DAP. With the decrease in fertility levels from 100% RDF of NPK to 50% RDF of NPK the seed grade tuber production and number were significantly increased at 5% level of significance. Disease incidence and intensity of Phoma leaf spot decreased and early blight increased with decreasing doses of fertilizers. No viral disease was observed. Dehaulming at 65 DAP was found safer so far as infestation and chances of viral disease transmission by the sucking pests were concerned. From the present study it may be concluded that, for quality seed tuber production of potato and to get highest net return under New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, use of 50cm X 15cm spacing along with haulm cutting at 65 DAP, when planting is done on first week of November and grown with 50% RDF of NPK was found best.

Generation of Virus Free Potato Plantlets through Meristem Culture and Their Field Evaluation

Different aspects of micropropagation through meristem culture for the production of virus indexed source plants, in vitro tuberization and field evaluation of the in vitro regenerated plants were studied on four commercial cultivars of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) viz., Diamant, Cardinal, Shilbilati and Lalpakri. The investigation was conducted at Rajshahi, Bangladesh from December 2010 to March 2012 to produce virus-free potato plantlets through meristem culture, shoot multiplications with root induction as well as their acclimatization and evaluation of morphological characters and tuber yield under field condition. Shoot tips of 25 - 30 day old field-grown plants of above mentioned four cultivars were used for meristem isolation. After isolation, meristems of these varieties of potato were cultured on “M” shaped filter paper bridge in Murashige and Skoog (MS) liquid medium. Four different treatments of media formulations viz. 0.1 mg/L KIN + 0.1 mg/L GA3, 0.1 mg/L KIN + 0.5 mg/L GA3, 0.5 mg/L KIN + 0.1 mg/L GA3 and 0.5 mg/L KIN + 0.5 mg/L GA3 were used as plant growth regulators. From these formulations MS + 0.1 mg/L KIN + 0.5 mg/L GA3 was found to be the best for the primary establishment of meristem culture. The primarily established meristems were subcultured on to MS semisolid basal medium supplemented with four different treatment combinations of hormones viz. 0.5 mg/L BA + 1.0 mg/L IBA; 0.1 mg/L KIN + 0.1 mg/L GA3; 0.5 mg/L BA + 0.5 mg/L GA3 and 0.5 mg/L KIN + 0.5 mg/L GA3 were used to identify the suitable media compositions for shoot proliferation. Results showed that out of these four media treatments the formulation 0.5 mg/L BA + 0.5 mg/L GA3 was found to be the best suitable for shoot generation. Among the four cultivars of potato higher frequency of shoot proliferation (number of shoots/explant and longest shoot length) was observed in Diamant, though the highest shoot formation (76%) was recorded in Cardinal. Virus free in vitro grown potato plantlets were obtained through DAS-ELISA test and used substantially for micro-propagation. After gradual acclimatization of rooted plantlets of four potato cultivars, they were transferred into the field for cultivation and established successfully. It was observed from the field study of in vitro meristem-derived plantlets that there were no virus-affected plants. The virus-free exotic varieties were much superior in all vegetative attributes and yield compared to those of indigenous varieties with producing potato plants of normal height. In contrast, the indigenous varieties took a longer time to tuber initiation and maturity, lower plant height and number of leaves per plant, a higher number of tubers but a lower amount of tuber weight per plant, and poorer tuber grade than the exotic varieties. However, the variety Cardinal exposed the best performances in the context of survival percentage of plantlets (90%), days to tuber initiation (DTI), a number of leaves per plant (NL), tuber weight per plant (343.40%) and the percentage of rich tuber grade.

Response of different cultivars of potato to various soil moisture regimes under South Eastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of water management practices and varieties on the growth, yield and water productivity of potato at Agricultural Research Station, Kota during the year 2017–18 and 2018–19 situated in the humid south eastern plain zone of Rajasthan. Five potato varieties (V1- AICRP-P-21, V2- AICRP-P-32, V3- AICRP-P-37, V4- AICRP-P-38 and V5- Kufri Sindhuri) as main plot treatment and four levels of irrigation (subplot treatments) i.e I1-Irrigation at 20 mm cumulative pan evaporation (CPE), I2-Irrigation at 25 mm CPE (5, sub-optimal irrigations), I3-Irrigation at 30 mm CPE (4 irrigations at critical stages) and I4- Irrigation at 30 mm CPE + paddy straw mulch @ 5 t/ha at the time of planting were arranged in split plot design with three replications. The results revealed that the emergence was significantly higher in variety AICRP- P-38, tuber yield and plant height was significantly higher in variety Kufri Sinduri and number of shoots per plant were significantly higher in the variety AICRP- P-32. Application of straw mulch @5 t/ha along with four irrigation gave crop yield at par with the treatment with five irrigation and resulted in saving of one irrigation as compared to I3 treatment. Thus, paddy straw mulching @5t/ha alongwith four irrigation (I3) may be recommended to achieve higher tuber yield, seed grade tubers under lower water availability in arid environment of Rajasthan.

Genetic Variability Among the Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes as Affected by Harvesting Period for Processing Purpose and Tuber Yield

The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications in two sets of harvest period i.e. 90 and 105 days after planting (DAP) for tuber yield and processing traits in potato. The analysis of variance revealed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes was found highly significant for all the traits under study. The genotypes of MS/06-1947, K. Sadabahar and K. Khyati for 90 days and J/10-162, K. Sadabahar and MP/06-39 for 105 DAP were found promising for tuber yield per plant based on per se performance. The genotypes of MP/09-901, MP/04-578 and MP/04-816 exhibited high tuber dry matter, while, the genotypes, K. Himsona, K.Chipsona 1 and K.Chipsona 2 had low reducing sugar under both 90 and 105 days of harvest. The low chip colour index was exerted by genotypes of K. Chipsona 2, K. Chipsona 1, K. Chipsona 3, K. Chipsona 4 and K. Frysona under 90 days, whereas, K. Chipsona 2, Atlantic and K. Chipsona 3 under 105 days of harvest. Therefore, these genotypes suited as processing purpose. The high heritability along with high genetic advance in leaf area, number of stems per hill, number of tubers per plant, processing grade tuber yield per plant, chip colour index, reducing sugar and total soluble solids under both harvesting periods, recommended that genotypic difference for the characters ascribed to high additive genetic cause and selection would be wrathful based on phenotypic performance.

Alternative Vine Management Programs for Fresh-Market Potatoes

AbstractEconomically solvent fresh-market potato production is predominantly dependent on the ability to efficiently produce consistent tuber quality and high yield, and the ability to meet first-to-market demand with early-season potatoes. Unfortunately, these two qualifiers often work against each other in terms of production management. In response, we studied integrated potato vine management programs that support timely early-season potato harvest. Vine management with a flail chopper, roller, and flame burner used alone or followed by diquat was evaluated when initiated 21 or 14 d prior to harvest in 2015 and 2016. Potato varieties included ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Dark Red Norland’. Potato leaf and stem management, as well as tuber skinning, stolon separation, grade, and yield were quantified. Among mechanical methods, potato leaf and stem management were poor when vines were rolled or mowed but better when flail chopped. In general, vine management and tuber skin set was better when treatments were initiated 21 d prior to harvest as opposed to 14 d. Vine management, tuber skin set, and yield were comparable when potato vines were flail chopped followed by flame burning and where diquat was applied twice, offering a viable program for smaller scale or organic production.

Effect of varied planting time and dehaulming on the yield potential, processing quality and economic benefit in potato

A field experiment was conducted for producing higher processing grade tuber yield and quality by evaluating in relation to different planting times (31 October, 15 and 30 November) and dehaulming dates (80, 90 and 100 days after planting) during 2012-13 potato growing season at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur. Results revealed that different growth parameters like plant height, leaves number per hill and foliage coverage were significantly influenced by planting times. Processing and non processing grade tuber number and yield were significantly affected by all the treatments and their interaction. Significantly higher yield of processing grade tuber were recorded in November 15 planting in combination with all the dehaulming dates, ranged from 20.67 to 21.50 t/ha. Processing quality parameters like specific gravity, dry matter, reducing sugar content were significantly varied by planting times, dehaulming dates and their interaction. Whereas the potato chips colour score were not affected by the planting time and dehaulming but all the processing quality parameters were remained in acceptable range. The highest net return (Tk 1,68,404/ha) with a BCR of 1.93 was obtained in November 15 planting with dehaulming at 90 days after plantingBangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(2): 273-288, June 2017

Fertilizer Potential of Sea Weed (Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) Saps in Potato Crop

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2012-13 in sandy loam soil at Central Potato Research Station, Patna to study the effects of seaweed saps on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Potato. The foliar spray was applied at 45, 60 and 75 days after planting at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 % v/v) of seaweed extracts namely Kappaphycus( K Sap) and Gracilaria (G Sap). Foliar applications of seaweed sap significantly enhanced large and medium grade as well as total tuber yield. Increment in total tuber yield of potato with application of 7.5% K sap + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 5% G sap + RDF, and 10% G sap + RDF) over control were in tune of 3.95 t ha-1 ,4.88 and 4.07 t ha-1 respectively. Applications of 7.5 % K sap+ RDFand 5% G sap + RDF resulted in increase by 15.8 and 34.9% in large grade tuber yield and 11.5% and 22.5% in medium grade tuber yield, respectively compared to control. Improved nutrient uptake (NPK) was also observed with seaweed extract.

Potato production through bio-resources: Long-term effects on tuber productivity, quality, carbon sequestration and soil health in temperate Himalayas

A field study was conducted on potato crop during summer (April–July) seasons of 2007 to 2011 in temperate north–western Himalayas to evaluate the effects of three different organic manure sources [Farm yard manure (FYM)/chicken manure (CM)/vermicompost (VC)] alongwith microbial consortia (MC) as well as their combinations on tuber productivity, tuber quality and soil health. This five years’ study clearly revealed that application of FYM @ 10tha−1+chemical fertilizers to meet remaining recommended fertilizer dose (CFRDF) + MC proved as a better combination with respect to growth, yield attributes, total tuber yield (23.4tha−1), marketable tuber yield (22.2tha−1), large grade tuber (>75g) yield (44.2%), profitability (net returns, Indian Rs. 161599ha−1; benefit: cost ratio (3.72), tuber quality, NPK uptake, available NPK and soil microbiological properties; which was followed by the application of CM @ 7.5tha−1+MC. However, soil organic matter (SOC) storage (24.7MgCha−1), SOC retention (15.8MgCha−1), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (376.4μgg−1soil), and CO2 evolution (180μgg−1soilhr−1) were significantly higher using FYM @ 25tha−1+MC, followed by FYM @ 10tha−1+CM @ 2.5tha−1+VC @ 2.5tha−1+MC over rest of the treatments. Interestingly, sole application of organics in this exhaustive crop is not enough in realizing sufficient marketable tuber yield even on long–term basis in temperate Himalayan soils where mineralization rate is quite slow and inappropriate to meet the nutrient needs of the crop. Thus, application of FYM @ 10tha−1+chemical fertilizers to meet remaining RDF+microbial consortia is the better combination under such agro–ecologies for enhancing nutrient supplying capacity and soil health for sustaining long–term potato productivity and profitability with better tuber quality in diverse NW Himalayan potato production systems and similar socio–agro–economic conditions in temperate world.