Highest Marketable Tuber Yield Research Articles

Growth and Yield Traits of Potato Genotypes Grown under Different Cultivation Practices in Dailekh, Nepal

Variable rainfall and recurrent drought in spring season limit the potato production at Dailekh. To address this problem, a two-year (2019-2020) field experiment was conducted at HRS, Dailekh to investigate 12 potato genotypes (T-304347.6, T-393371.58, T-304350.1, T-304351.109, T-302498.7, T-304405.47, T-303381.3, T-396311.1, T-397029.1, T-304368.46, Desiree and Cardinal) along with different growing practices (Partial Irrigation (PI), rain-fed and straw mulch) for their growth, and yield traits. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, where three different growing practices were allotted as main plot and 12 potato genotypes were placed as sub-plot treatment, and it was replicated three times. The combined analysis revealed that growing practices significantly affected the ground cover, plant height, stem number, marketable tuber number and weight, and yield. Potato genotypes showed the significant effect on all the plant and yield traits. Straw mulch produced 28.7% and 21.6% higher marketable tuber yield than PI and rain-fed potato, respectively. Genotypes T-304351.109 and T-397029.1 imparted 22.9% and 17.4% higher marketable tuber yield than Desiree, check variety, respectively. Therefore, growing of high yielding genotypes T-304351.109 and T-397029.1 along with straw mulch can be the best option to increase the potato productivity at rain-fed condition of Dailekh.

Determining the profitability of different NPSB and nitrogen fertilizer rates on yield and yield attributes of Irish potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) at southern Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract This is a traditional practice and most farmers and district offices only use fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus in almost all soils in Guji districts. These nutrients are detrimental to increasing crop yield and must be applied during the planting schedule. This experiment was conducted to investigate the profitability of Irish potatoes when applying different rates of NPSB and N fertilizers and the economically appropriate rate to maximize potato yield. The results showed that the combined application of mixed NPSB fertilizer and N2 was significantly influenced days to 50% flowering, plant height, tuber number per plant, average tuber weight, marketable tuber yield, unmarketable tuber yield and total tuber yield. However, 80% days to maturity was not affected by the combined application of NPSB blended and N2 fertilizer. The highest marketable tuber yield (22.86 t ha -1 ) and total tuber yield (24.76 t ha -1 ) were recorded from combined application of 200 kg ha -1 of blended NPSB fertilizer and 69 kg ha -1 of N2; while the lowest values 12.25 t ha -1 and 14.43t ha -1 , respectively were recorded from the control. The MRR, which determines the acceptability of any treatments shows that treatments that received 200 kg ha -1 NPSB and 69 kg ha -1 N2 nutrient yielded best result of 7700% marginal revenue. Therefore it can be recommended that application of 200 kg NPSB ha -1 and 69 kg ha -1 N2 is the appropriate rate for optimum productivity of Irish Potato for Adola Rede areas and similar agro-ecologies.

Response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties to blended NPSB fertilizer rates on tuber yield and quality parameters in Gummer district, Southern Ethiopia

Potato is an important food security and cash crop in Southern Ethiopia, including Gurage Zone. However, the productivity of the crop in the zone is far below its potential due to an array of factors. For instance, inappropriate selection of varieties and lacking information regarding the actual rate of the newly recommended blended NPSB fertilizer in the potato-producing areas, including Gummer district. Cognizant of this, the present experiment was initiated and conducted in Gummer district under supplementary irrigation, during the 2021 Belg season, with the objective of assessing the response of different potato varieties to blended NPSB fertilizer rates. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with the factorial arrangement and having three replications. There were 12 treatment combinations, comprising three potato varieties (namely; Belete, Gudanie and a local check, Askot) and four blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 119, 238 and 357 kg NPSB ha-1). The analysis of variance showed that the two main factors (blended NPSB fertilizer rates and potato varieties) had a statistically significant effect on all tested parameters except the effect of the blended NPSB fertilizer rates on days to 50% emergence. The interaction of the two factors had also showed a statistically significant effect on days to 90% maturity, plant height, main stem number per plant, total tuber number/hill, tuber yield per hill, large-sized tuber yield, marketable and total tuber yields (t ha-1) and tuber dry matter content. Days to 90% maturity were delayed with increased rates of blended NPSB fertilizer for all tested varieties. The highest mean plant height (69.54 cm) and number of main stems per hill (8.38) were obtained at 357 kg ha-1 NPSB with Belete variety. The highest marketable tuber yield (34.40 t ha-1), total tuber yield (35.84 t ha-1) and tuber dry matter content of (26.75%) were obtained from belete variety with the application of 238 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer. The results of the economic analysis indicated that the maximum net benefit (180660.7 Birr ha-1) with a 3405.23% marginal rate of return was obtained from Belete variety with the application of 238 kg NPSB ha-1. Hence, the application of 238 kg ha-1 with belete variety can be recommended for optimum potato production with acceptable economic benefit in the study area and similar agroecology. However, since the result is only of one season and location, further research is recommended to be carried out across more seasons and locations

Effect of blended fertilizer rates and planting density on yield and yield components of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Gombora condition, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia

Potato is an important food and cash crop and it has high yielding potential in many parts of Ethiopia; however the yield of the crop is often constrained due to low and imbalanced rates of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate spacing. The field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of five rates of blended fertilizer (0, 100, 150, 200, and 250) kg NPS ha−1 and intra-row planting spacing of 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm and laid out by randomized complete block design with three replication in a factorial arrangement. The analysis of variance revealed that, marketable tuber yield, total tuber yield, stem number per hill, total fresh mass, underground fresh and dry mass were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the interaction of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Sulfur (NPS blended fertilizer) and intra-row spacing. The highest plant height (96.60 cm), highest marketable tuber yield (34.29 tha-1), highest total tuber yield (38.36 t ha−1) and highest total fresh biomass (1274.2 g plant−1) were recorded from NPS rate of 250 kg NPS ha−1 and intra-row spacing of 20 cm while the lowest recorded from control treatment in wider intra-row spacing (40 cm). Therefore, the application of 250 kg NPS ha−1 with the intra-row spacing of 20 cm can give an optimum tuber yield and it could be recommended for the production of potato in the study area.

Evaluation of underutilized Ethiopian potato (Plectranthus edulis (Vatke) Agnew) accessions in Oromia regional state, central Ethiopia

Ethiopian potato (P. edulis) is an endemic tuber crop species, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, locally known as Ethiopian potato as the common name, and Oromo Dinch as a vernacular name in the Oromia region. The study aimed to evaluate P. edulis accessions to identify better physical adaptability potential and high yielding in the central highland of Ethiopia. Twenty promising P. edulis accessions were planted in a 3.5 m × 3 m plot area by using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication. In the present study, the measured agronomic parameters of individual accession were varied in the range of plant height (59.10–95.12 cm), number of stems per hill (2.24–4.73), stem girth (2.0–3.25 cm), number of node per plant (18.13–26.16), stem internode length (2.95–4.26 cm), number of branch/plant (13.53–23.94), leaf length (8.5–12.89 cm), leaf width (2.3–3.70 cm), leaf area (20.15–47.12 cm2), days to flower initiation (110.20–158.40), days to flowering (124.30–168.60), flower length (9.50–18.24 cm), number of tuber/hill (28.40–143.26), tuber diameter (13.57–22.38 cm), tuber length (13.18–17.39 cm), tuber weight/hill (0.30–1.64 kg), tuber yield (9.94–54.69 tonne/ha), and marketable tuber weight (9.49–54.4 tonne/ha) were recorded. From this study, eight accessions: PE001, PE003, PE005, PE006, E007, PE009, PE010, and PE011 were identified as those that revealed better physical adaptation and produced the highest tuber yields (>40 tonne/ha), and the highest marketable tuber yield (>40 tonne/ha). Therefore, these accessions are suggested for production and scale-up by producers in the central highland of Ethiopia, and other similar areas of agroecological zones.

Agronomic Evaluation of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes for Tuber Yield and Yield Attributing Traits

The experiment was carried out under rain fed conditions for three consecutive years (2017–2019) from mid-June to mid-October at Bekoji and Kofele sub sites of Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia by using improved varieties to identify superior genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the presence of significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among genotypes for all traits studied. Analysis of variance revealed that location by year effect had highly significant difference at (p&lt;0.01) for all traits except specific gravity which showed significant difference at (p&lt;0.05). Treatment by location showed significant difference except stem number plant-1, total yield, and specific gravity. Treatment by year showed significant differences except for days to flowering. The highest marketable tuber yield was obtained from genotype CIP 395037.107 followed by variety Belete and CIP 395015.6 genotype. Simple correlation analysis revealed that total tuber yield showed strongly and positively significant correlation with average stem number plant-1, stem height and marketable yield. Thus, it could be concluded that genotypes, year and location variations as well as their interaction had considerable influence on tuber yield and the potato’s attributes. The significant interaction effects of genotypes, location, year and positive and strong association between total yield and other traits indicates the need to test potato genotypes over season and location in order to select stable and high yielder genotypes.

Evaluation of Potato Genotypes for Plant and Yield Traits at Dailekh District, Nepal

Field experiments were conducted at on-farm condition of Dailekh during the spring season for two years (2019 and 2020) to study the plant and yield traits of potato genotypes, and to select high yielding and farmers' preferred genotype. Five promising potato genotypes (PRP226567.2, CIP395017.242, PRP136769.1, PRP276264.1 and CIP393617.1) were studied for their plant and yield traits and compared them with 'Kufri Jyoti', a popular check variety. Experiments were laid-out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Results showed that genotypes exhibited significant differences in all the plant and yield characters. CIP395017.242 gave the highest marketable (23.5 t/ha) and total tuber yield (25.9 t/ha). As compared to Kufri Jyoti, CIP395017.242 gave 12.4% higher marketable tuber yield. Farmer's preferences on plant and tuber of CIP395017.242 were also similar to Kufri Jyoti. Therefore, genotype CIP395017.242 can be recommended to grow at on-farm condition of Dailekh.

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to NPS Fertilizer Rates and Inter-Row Spacing in Kechi District, South Western Ethiopia

Fertilizer requirement and spacing vary across locations due to differences in soil types, nutrient and moisture availability, economic factors, and other environmental conditions. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different rates of NPS fertilizers and inter-row spacing on growth, yield, yield components, and economic performance of potato in Kechi research farm, Dawro zone of south-western Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in factorial combination of six NPS (19N–38P2O5–7S) fertilizer rates (0 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha, and 250 kg/ha) and five inter-row spacings (45, 55, 65, 75, and 85 cm) which were laid out in RCBD with three replications using the Gudene variety. Growth, yield component, and yield data were collected and analyzed. In addition, a partial budget analysis was performed. The results showed that the main effect of NPS fertilizer and inter-row spacing had significantly ( P &lt; 0.05 ) affected plant height, tuber number, tuber yield, and tuber size and average tuber weight. Maximum marketable tuber number per plant (11.627), total tuber number per plant (13.020), average tuber weight per plant (83.493 g), the proportion of large-sized tuber number per plant (41.893%), marketable tuber yield (48.056 t/ha), and total tuber yield (51.145 t/ha) were obtained from 200 kg/ha of NPS fertilizer which was statistically at par with 150 kg/ha and 250 kg/ha NPS, while the lowest result for those parameters was recorded from unfertilized plots. Results regarding inter-row spacing revealed that the highest marketable tuber number per plant (11.744), total tuber number per plant (13.144), and average tuber weight per plant (85.559 g) were recorded at 75 cm, while the lowest result for these parameters was recorded at 45 cm. Moreover, the highest marketable tuber yield (45.084 t/ha) and total tuber yield (48.462 t/ha) were obtained from the inter-row spacing of 65 cm which was statistically at par with 55 cm inter-row spacing, while the lowest result for these parameters was recorded at 85 cm. The partial budget analysis further revealed that 200 kg/ha NPS fertilizer gave the maximum net benefit. However, 150 kg/ha NPS resulted in the highest marginal rate of return (4303.91%). Thus, 150 kg/ha NPS fertilizer and inter-row spacing of 55 cm or 65 cm are suggested for attaining higher potato yield.

Participatory Selection of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties in the Midland Areas of Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia

Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food security and cash crop produced at different agro-ecologies of Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia. However, in the midland areas of Guji zone an access of improved potato variety is highly limited. Due to this reason and other bottle neck factors, the potential of the area to potato crop is not exploited. So, there is an urgent need to develop and promote technologies that suit for the area. As a result, an experiment was conducted in the midland areas of Guji Zone (Dibayu, Kiltu sorsa, Gobicha and Dole) at four farmers’ fields during 2019/20 cropping season to evaluate potato varieties with active participation of farmers and to identify and select adaptable, high yielding, and late blight tolerant potato variety (ies) for midland areas of Guji zone. Seven (7) improved potato varieties Gudanie, Chiro, Zemen, Bubu, Chala, Bedasa, and Gebisa were used as testing crop. The treatments were arranged in randomized completed block design (RCBD) with three replications for mother trial and farmers were used as replication for baby trials. Both agronomic and farmers data were collected based on the recommended standards. Data collected from mother trail were subjected to analysis of variance where as matrix ranking was used for data collected from baby trial. The analysis of variance indicated that significant differences observed at (P≤ 0.05) among the tested Irish potato varieties for stem number per hill, tuber number per hill, marketable and total tuber yield. However, non-significant difference was observed at (P&gt; 0.05) among the varieties for days to 50% emergence and flowering, days to 90% maturity, plant height, tuber weight and unmarketable tuber yield. The highest marketable tuber yield was (41.32t/ha) was recorded for Zemen followed by Gudanie and Bubu (36.81 and 36.78 t/ha) respectively. But, the lowest marketable tuber yield 21.85t/ha was obtained from improved Gebisa variety. In other cases, farmers were allowed to evaluate the varieties using their own criteria. Accordingly, variety Zemen, Bubu and Gudanie were selected by farmers due to their best performance, high yielder, resistance to disease, number of tubers and marketability. Therefore, these three improved Irish potato varieties are selected based on agronomic data result and farmers preference and recommended for production to the midland areas of Guji zone. Keywords: Improved variety, Irish Potato, participatory variety selection DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-16-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

Participatory Selection of Potato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Solanium tuberosum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Varieties in the Highland Areas of Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food security and cash crop for farmers in highland parts of Ethiopia, particularly in Guji zone where it is grown by farmers and seed producers abundantly. However, in the highland areas of Guji zone an access, well adapted, resistance to late blight and high yielder potato variety is highly limited. Due to this reason, there is an urgent need to develop and replace the previous underproduction varieties that suit for the area. As a result, an experiment was conducted in the highland areas of Guji Zone at Bore on-station and three farmers’ fields (Abayi kuture, Raya boda, and Bube korsa) during 2019/20 cropping season to select and recommend high yielding, and diseases resistance improved potato varieties through participatory variety selection. Six (6) improved potato varieties (Gudanie, Belete, Jalenie, Dagim, Horro, and Bubu) were used as testing crop. The treatments were arranged in randomized completed block design (RCBD) with three replications for mother trial and farmers were used as replication for baby trials. Both agronomic and farmers data were collected based on the recommended standards. Data collected from mother trail were subjected to analysis of variance where as matrix ranking was used for data collected from baby trials. The analysis of variance indicated that significant differences observed at (P≤ 0.05) among the tested Irish potato varieties for day to 50% emergence and flowering, stem number per hill, tuber number per hill, marketable and total tuber yield. However, non-significant difference was observed at (P> 0.05) among the varieties for days to days to 90% maturity, plant height, tuber weight and unmarketable tuber yield. The highest marketable tuber yield was (48.17t/ha) was recorded for Belete followed by Bubu and Gudanie (35.35 and 34.3t/ha) respectively. But, the lowest marketable tuber yield (18.07t/ha) was obtained from improved Dagim variety. In other cases, farmers were allowed to evaluate the varieties using their own criteria. Accordingly, variety Bubu and Gudanie were selected by farmers due to their resistant to disease, stem number, tuber size, tuber color, tuber eye depth, number of tubers and marketability. Therefore, these two improved Irish potato varieties are selected based on agronomic data result and farmers preference and recommended for production to the highland areas of Guji zone.

Effect of plastic mulches on growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Dadeldhura, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted from February to June, 2020 at Bhatkanda, Dadeldhura, Nepal to assess the effectiveness of plastic mulches in potato production. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications comprising of five treatments viz: T1: white plastic mulch (white on black colored), T2: silver plastic mulch (silver on black colored), T3: perforated black plastic mulch, T4: black plastic mulch and T5: control (without mulch). Results revealed that the black plastic mulch significantly increased the rate of emergence while perforated black plastic exhibited highest values of all other studied growth parameters, yield components and quality parameters. The highest marketable tuber yield was obtained in perforated black plastic (6.05 kg/m2) followed by silver plastic (5.62 kg/m2), white plastic (5.46 kg/m2), black plastic (5.14 kg/m2) and lowest marketable tuber yield was obtained in control condition (4.07 kg/m2). Similarly, temperature difference between controlled and mulched condition at 15 cm depth of soil was observed up to 2.8°C with its highest value in black plastic mulch and lowest in control condition. The perforated black plastic mulch was found most economical with maximum value of net return (NRs. 1904.31 thousands/ha) and B: C ratio (5.83). This study concludes that the use of perforated black plastic mulch is most economical with optimum plant growth and yield, producing best quality potatoes under climatic condition of Dadeldhura, Nepal.

Genotypic Variation in Potato Growth and Yield Response to Water Stress During two Production Seasons in Northwest Ethiopia

Water stress during low-rainfall periods (Mesino and Belg) constrains the potato from meeting full yield potential in northwest Ethiopia. Farmers tend to grow local varieties in these seasons but these varieties have not been tested for their water stress tolerance. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate major Ethiopian local varieties for their drought tolerance under controlled conditions in two growing seasons, and to compare these with a few selected varieties from outside sources. Nine local varieties and six new varieties were tested in the screen house at Adet Agricultural research center in both Mesino and Belg seasons for their response to moderate water stress conditions during 2014. All varieties were grown under two water regimes (well-irrigated and stressed) maintained by monitoring soil moisture. The results showed that, averaging across varieties, the marketable tuber yield losses due to water stress in Mesino (residual production) and Belg seasons were 28% and 67%, respectively. Substantial differences between varieties in growth and yield response to both growing season and water stress were also observed. In the Mesino season, although no variety out-yielded the main local variety, ‘Siquare’, under drought conditions, “Belete”, “CIP-395109.34”, “Abadamu” and “Granola” had showed the lowest water stress susceptibility index (SSI) and higher marketable tuber yield in stress condition. In the Belg season, ‘Granola’ followed by ‘Abadamu’ and “Gera” had the highest marketable tuber yields under both irrigated and stress conditions and the lowest water stress susceptibility index. Traits associated with high marketable yield potential and stability under stress condition include: high harvest index, increased root length, relatively few deformed and small sized tubers under stress. The results indicated potential for improving dry season potato production in Ethiopia by utilizing both selected local and new varieties.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on marketable and non-marketable tuber yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of integrated nutrient management on Marketable and Non-marketable tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) ” was carried out in Horticulture Research cum Instructional Farm of Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Sarkanda, Bilaspur (C.G.), during Rabi season of Nov 2018 to Mar 2019, The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and 12 different treatment combinations viz. T1 (125% RDF (187:125:125 kg ha-1 NPK), T2 (100% RDF (150:100:100 kg ha-1 NPK), T3 (75% RDF + FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1 (25% N by FYM), T4 (50% RDF + FYM @ 15 t ha-1 (50% N by FYM), T5 (75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 3.75 t ha-1 (25% N by Vermicompost), T6 (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 7.5 t ha-1 (50% N by Vermicompost), T7 (Tuber treatment with Trichoderma @ 20 g /k + soil incorporation of Trichoderma enriched FYM @ 15 t ha-1 SOIL, T8 (Tuber treatment with Pseudomonas @ 20 g /k + soil incorporation of Pseudomonas enriched FYM @ 15 t ha-1 soil, T9 (Tuber treatment with Pseudomonas followed by Trichoderma @ 20 g /k + soil incorporation of consortia of Pseudomonas & Trichoderma enriched FYM @ 15 t ha-1 soil, T10 (Tuber treatment with consortia of Azotobacter & PSB @20 g /k + soil incorporation of consortia of Azotobacter & PSB enriched FYM @ 15 t ha-1 soil, T11 (50% RDF only FYM @ 15 t ha-1 (50% N by FYM) and T12 (Local control), T6 (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 7.5 t ha-1 (50% N by Vermicompost). Integrated use of synthetic fertilizers and organic manures showed the significant impact on growth and yield attributes of potato. It was observed that highest marketable tuber yield in the plots treated with T6- (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 7.5 t ha-1 (50% N by Vermicompost) (25.99 t ha-1) at the time of harvesting, respectively followed by T1 (125% RDF (187:125:125 kg ha-1 NPK) (25.19 t ha-1) at the time of harvesting, respectively., It is evident from the data that the yield parameter of potato in terms of marketable and non-marketable tuber yield varied significantly due to integrated nutrient management, chemical fertilizers and organic manure, during at the time of harvesting given the table 1.

Improving potato production through non monetary agronomic manoeuvring

A field experiment was conducted with an objective to improve potato production through non monetary agronomic manoeuvring during the Zaid season of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 at three village’s viz. Audung, Seru and Namtsering in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Experiment consist of four inter row spacing and five earthing up treatments. Results revealed that growth, development, yield attributes and tuber yield was greatly influenced by the treatment under investigation. Majority of growth and yield parameters was recorded maximum with the row spacing of 40 and 30 cm inter row spacing. Significantly the highest marketable tuber yield (15.3 t/ha) was produce at 30 cm inter row spacing. Earthing up at 15 days after plant emergence resulted superior performance in most growth and yield parameters. For better potato production 30 cm intr row spacing and earthing up at 15 days after emergence can be used advocated for Tawang district (Arunachal Pradesh).

Soil Matric Potential-Based Irrigation Scheduling to Potato in the Northwestern Indian Plains

A field investigation was conducted in sandy loam soil for two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growing seasons (October–January) to standardize the appropriate soil matric potential along with its depth of measurement during 2011–12 and 2012–13. The investigation was conducted under furrow-ridge irrigation system. The treatments comprised three soil matric potential (20, 35, 50 Kpa: (denoted as) S20, S35, S50) and three soil measured depth (20, 30, 40 cm: (denoted as) D20, D30 and D40) and a control (traditional practice) were replicated four times in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Analysis of pooled data for marketable and graded tuber yield, average tuber weight, discarded percent of tubers, root dry weight, plant height and above-ground dry matter accumulation 30, 60 days after planting (DAP) and at harvest favored under S35D20 and S20D20 treatments. Similarly pooled data of Water Use Efficiency (WUI) and Irrigation Water Use Efficiency (WUEi) for S35D20 treatment were more than double that of control treatment along with higher marketable tuber yield, beside 49% irrigation water savings. Our results revealed S35D20 was the best treatment for irrigation scheduling in potato. Conclusively, adopting this threshold corresponded to applying single irrigation two weeks after the complete emergence of crop and remaining 2–3 irrigations at 17 days interval, depending on the effective rainfall and potato growing season in the region.

Performance and Yield Stability Analysis of Potato Genotypes in Ethiopia

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most widely grown root and tuber crop in the mid and high altitude areas of Ethiopia. It has both dietary and income generating role to produces. However the yield obtained at farm levels is very low other compared with other county. One of the main reason for such low yield of potato in the country is luck of high yielding and disease resistance variety. To this effect, potato national variety trial was conducted by Adet, Holleta and Kulumsa Agricultural Research Centers with the main objective of identifying high yielder and disease tolerant potato genotypes in 2009 and 2010. In this trial 10 genotypes were tested against standard and local checks in randomized complete block design with three replications on gross plot size of 9 m2 planted at a spacing of 75 cm × 30 cm between rows and plants, respectively. Combined analysis over locations and seasons revealed that the clone CIP-396004.337 gave the highest marketable tuber yield of 345.60 qt/ha followed by CIP-395096.2 (344.20 qt/ha) whereas the lowest tuber yield (156.40 qt/ha) was from CIP-396029.250. Moreover, the lowest percentage (4.03%) of late blight infestation was from CIP-396004.337 as compared to 21.17% from genotype CIP-396029.250. GGE biplot as well as ASV analysis identified CIP-396004.337 as high yielder and stable clone and therefore recommended for release as commercial variety. Since 2013, it is released as new potato variety in Ethiopia with local name of “Dagem”.

Conservation Management Practices and Rotations for Irrigated Processing Potato in Southern Alberta

Irrigated processing potato production is an important part of southern Alberta’s agricultural economy. A 12-year (2000–11) study compared conservation (CONS) and conventional (CONV) management for potato in 3- to 6-year rotations which also included dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Oat (Avena sativa L.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) were added to the longest rotation. Conservation management included reduced tillage, cover crops, feedlot manure compost addition, and solid-seeded dry bean. Averaged over 12 years, a 5-year CONS rotation (potato–wheat–sugar beet–wheat–dry bean) resulted in 18 % higher marketable tuber yield than a 3-year CONV rotation (potato–dry bean–wheat). Reduced incidence of potato early dying was also found with CONS management. Results indicate that integration of CONS management practices led to yield and disease control benefits without negatively impacting tuber quality.

Influência de silicato e calcário na nutrição, produtividade e qualidade da batata sob deficiência hídrica

A aplicação de silicato de Ca e Mg pode diminuir a acidez do solo e aumentar a disponibilidade de Ca, Mg, P e Si às plantas. O Si, mesmo não sendo essencial do ponto de vista fisiológico, traz inúmeros benefícios para o crescimento e o desenvolvimento vegetal, especialmente sob estresse. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a nutrição, a produtividade e a qualidade de tubérculos e batata cultivada em solo corrigido com calcário ou silicato sob dois níveis de umidade no solo. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pela aplicação de calcário dolomítico ou silicato de Ca e Mg, visando elevar a saturação por bases do solo a 60 %, e por duas tensões de água no solo: 0,020 MPa (sem deficiência hídrica) e 0,050 MPa (com deficiência hídrica). O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em vasos contendo 50 kg dm-3 de Latossolo Vermelho de textura média. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso em fatorial 2 x 2, com oito repetições. A deficiência hídrica teve pouca influência na nutrição da batateira, porém reduziu a produção de tubérculos comercializáveis. O silicato de Ca e Mg proporcionou os mesmos níveis de correção do solo e de fornecimento desses nutrientes que o calcário dolomítico, além de maior disponibilidade de P e Si no solo e maior absorção desses elementos pelas plantas de batata, podendo ser utilizado em substituição ao calcário. O fornecimento de Si à cultura da batata, mediante a aplicação de silicato, proporcionou maior altura de plantas, menor acamamento das hastes e maior produção de tubérculos comercializáveis.

Efficiency of Nitrogen Fertilizer for Potato under Fertigation Utilizing a Nitrogen Tracer Technique

Efficient crop use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is critical from economic and environmental viewpoints, especially under irrigated conditions. Nitrogen fertilizer (15N‐labeled urea) and irrigation methods (drip and furrow) were evaluated on spring and fall potato cultivars under Syrian Mediterranean climatic conditions. Field experiments were conducted in the El‐Ghab Valley near Hama in fall 2000 and spring 2001 on a heavy clay soil. Four N‐fertilizer applications (70, 140, 210, and 280 kg N/ha) were applied in five equally split treatments for both irrigation methods. Potato was irrigated when soil moisture in the specified active root depth reached 80% of the field capacity as indicated by the neutron probe. Higher marketable tuber yield of spring potato was obtained by fertigation compared to furrow irrigation; the magnitude of tuber yield increases was 4, 2, 31, and 13%, whereas for fall potato the tuber yield increases were 13, 27, 20, and 35% for N fertilizer rates of 70, 140, 210, and 280 kg N/ha, respectively. Shoot dry matter and tuber yields at the bulking stage were not good parameters to estimate marketable tuber yield. The effect of N treatments on potato yield with furrow irrigation and fertigation was limited and not significant. Drip fertigation improved tuber yield of fall potato relative to national average yield. Nitrogen uptake increased with increasing N input under both irrigation methods. Reducing N input under both irrigation methods improved N recoveries. Increasing N input significantly increased total N content in plant tissues at the bulking stage. Spring potato yields were almost double those of fall potato under both irrigation methods and all N treatments. Nitrate (NO3) movement in the soil solution for fall potato was monitored using soil solution extractors. Furrow irrigation resulted in greater movements of NO3‐N below the rooting zone than drip fertigation. Harvest index did not follow a clear trend but tended to decrease upon increasing N fertilization rates beyond 140 kg N/ha under both irrigation methods. Drip fertigation improved field water‐use efficiencies at the bulking and harvest stages. Fertigation increased specific gravity of potato tubers relative to furrow irrigation. Higher N input decreased specific gravity of potato tubers under both irrigation methods.

Effects of zinc fungicides and different zinc fertilizer application methods on soluble and total zinc in potato plant shoots

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of fungicides [with or without zinc (Zn)] and different Zn fertilizer application methods (no fertilizer; soil application; shoot application; soil plus shoot application) on the soluble and total Zn in the dry matter of potato shoots. Zinc fertilizer was applied to the shoots at 20 and 45 days after plant emergence (DAE), immediately before plant sampling. At 25 DAE, Zn fungicide increased soluble and total Zn in the fourth leaf. The same occurred, at 45 DAE, with the Zn fertilizer applied to the shoots. It were not observed significant increases on both soluble and total Zn contents in the fourth leaf of plants that received soil Zn fertilization. Even in the leaves with 262 mg Zn kg‐1, there was no phytotoxicity symptoms. The total Zn concentration at 20 DAE was the best index correlated to potato tuber yield reaching 50.9 mg Zn kg‐1 in the fourth leaf of plants at the highest marketable tuber yield treatment. Plant nutrient element contents [phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn)] were not affected by the treatments.