Marketable Tuber Number Research Articles

Evaluaiton of productivity and adaptability of medium- and late-maturing potato varieties to the conditions of Moscow oblast

In this study, 22 medium- and late maturing potato varieties from the collection of the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) were subjected to a three-year experiment with a view to identifying high-productivity sources for further breeding and cultivation in Central Russia. The study was carried out in the Moscow Oblast in 2020-2022. The Golubizna variety was used as a standard. The total and average weight of tubers per bush (total and marketable), number of tubers in the bush (total and marketable), and the marketability (share of marketable tubers in the total weight) of the varieties under study were evaluated. The total and marketable productivity was evaluated by the parameters of adaptability (Kad), varietal stability (PUSS), ecological plasticity (bi), and stability (s2d). On average, over the period of three years, seven varieties exceeded the standard in terms of total and marketable productivity. These included Pamyati Ligaj, Gui Valley, Vympel N, Kazsip, Grand N, Gusar N, and Arlekin. The selected varieties were characterized by high values of the adaptability coeffi cient (Kad ranged from 1.4 to 2.0) and marketable productivity (PUSS ranged from 150 to 480 %). Among these varieties, Pamyati Ligaj, Gui Valley, Kazsip, Arlekin, and Vympel N demonstrated high plasticity (bi ranging from 1.2 to 2.7). Grand N showed the highest stability (s2d=0.00) of marketable productivity. The Gusar N and Arlekin varieties were selected for use in agricultural production. They demonstrated the maximum values of tuber weight per bush on average over the period of three years (total 1.01-1.06; marketable 0.73-0.75 kg), adaptability coeffi cient (Kad ranging from 1.7 to 2.0), and PUSS (239-480 %). On average, both varieties exceeded the standard in tuber size, number of tubers in the bush, and marketability. Gusar N was characterized by a relatively high stability of marketability parameters (s2d=0.05); Arlekin showed high ecological plasticity (bi=2.2). The sources of valuable traits for breeding were selected, which annually exceeded the standard variety Golubizna in the size of marketable tubers (Pamyati Ligaj) and the number of marketable tubers in the bush (Bora Velley and Arlekin).

Influence of higher levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield, and profitability of three potato varieties in Surma, Bajhang, Nepal

Potato is a crucial food and cash crop with high yield potential in many parts of the Bajhang district. However, achieving optimal yields can be hindered by inconsistent NPK fertilizer application rates and suboptimal potato variety selection, including instances where no fertilizers are used at all by the farmers. To address these challenges and determine the most effective NPK fertilizer rates and potato varieties, a field experiment was conducted in Surma rural municipality of Bajhang district. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, to evaluate the effects of four NPK fertilizer rates (0:0:0, 50:50:50, 100:100:60, and 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) and three potato varieties (Khumal Seto, Cardinal, and Bajhang Local), on growth, yield, and economic profitability. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT), indicated that the highest values for plant height, canopy diameter, number of leaves, number of main stems, tuber weight, fresh weight of leaves and stems, average tuber diameter and number of marketable tubers per hill were consistently observed higher in either the Khumal Seto or Bajhang Local potato varieties. Similarly, these results were particularly prominent with the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha. Economic analysis demonstrated that the Khumal Seto variety showed superior performance in terms of gross benefit, net benefit, and benefit-to-cost ratio (NPR 1,805,714.29, NPR 1,306,168.83, and 3.61, respectively) when compared to other varieties. Similarly, the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha resulted in higher economic returns (NPR 1,645,714.29, NPR 1,129,908.83, and 3.19). In conclusion, using higher levels of mineral fertilizers (150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) with high yielding and well adapted potato varieties such as Khumal Seto and Bajhang Local significantly enhances growth, yield, and profitability in potato cultivation, as demonstrated by the findings of this study.

Association and Path Coefficient Analysis Studies in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes at Adet, Northwestern Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted during main rain fall season from June to October, 2018 in Adet, Ethiopia with the objective of estimating the correlation and identifying the direct and indirect effect of yield contributing traits on potato crop. 36 potato genotypes were evaluated in simple lattice design in two replications. The analysis of variance revealed that highly significant (p<0.001) difference among potato genotypes for all traits except average stem number. Total tuber yield was positively correlated with days to maturity, plant height, average stem number, marketable, unmarketable, total tuber number and marketable yield while it was negatively correlated with late blight severity percentage at both phenotypic and genotypic level. High correlation was observed between total tuber yield and marketable tuber yield (rp=0.982 and rg=0.986) followed by total tuber number (rp=0.735 and rg=0.789), and marketable tuber number (rp=0.700 and rg=0.737). Days to flowering, days to maturity, average stem number, marketable and unmarketable tuber number, starch content percentage, average tuber weight, and unmarketable tuber yield had positive direct effect on the total tuber yield at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Highly direct effect on total tuber yield was observed by marketable and unmarketable tuber number (3.65 and 1.17 respectively) and average tuber weight (0.56). Therefore, traits with significant positive correlated and direct effect on total tuber yield such as days to maturity stem number, marketable tuber number, marketable tuber yield and average tuber weight should be considered in selection criteria for enhancing tuber yield in potato.

Effect of coffee husk biochar and inorganic NP fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) on acidic soil of southwest Ethiopia

Soil acidity and low soil fertility due to nutrient leaching coupled with low inorganic fertilizer usage is a major cause of low crop yields across Southwest Ethiopia. Recently, biochar potential to improve soil fertility has gained significant attention but there are limited studies on the use of biochar in combination with inorganic fertilizers. A field experiment was, therefore, conducted to investigate the effect of combined application of biochar and inorganic NP nutrient on soil physicochemical properties, growth and yield of potato in Andiracha district, Southwestern Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The treatment consisted of four levels of biochar rates (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha−1) and four fertilizer rates of (0, 75,100 and 125% of recommended N P rates). Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.3 Software. Analysis of variance showed that combined application of biochar and inorganic NP fertilizer had highly significant (p < 0.01) effect on days to flowering, stem number, plant height, total leaf area, total dry biomass, marketable tuber number per hill and harvest index and significant (p < 0.05) effect on marketable tuber weight and total tuber weight ha−1. Combined application of 7.5 ton ha−1 biochar with 165 kg N and 60 kg P ha−1 resulted highest tuber yield (42.64 t ha−1), that increased yield by 28.99% compared with recommended NP fertilizer alone (165 kg N ha−1 and 60 kg P ha−1), and by 76.6% compared to the control. The increase was mainly attributed to the improvement in soil physico-chemical properties especially soil pH, CEC, organic matter, total N and available P which is a reflection of increase in soil fertility. Consequently, it was determined that the best course of action for potato production in the area was to apply 7.5 tons of biochar ha−1 together with 165 kg N and 60 kg P ha−1. Therefore, the study recommends adoption of low cost biochar production techniques and capacity building to ensure satisfactory knowledge of biochar use and its adoption by potato growers for soil fertility management and enhanced crop productivity.

Promising potato hybrids in Siberia

The results of studying potato hybrids in the nurseries of preliminary and competitive variety trials are presented. The research was conducted in 2018–2022 in the Krasnoyarsk Territory in grain and fallow crop rotation. The soil of the experimental plot is represented by leached chernozem, low- and medium-moist heavy loam of granulometric composition. Experiment design, yield recording and data processing were carried out in accordance with the generally accepted recommendations for work with the crop. Based on the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient, the weather conditions of the vegetation periods of the years of research can be characterized as slightly arid. The HTC was 1.1 in 2019 and 2021, in 2020, 2022 – 1,3. According to the results of the preliminary variety trials, lines A-114, A-326, A-529, A-635a exceeded or were at the level of the standard variety Krasnoyarsky Ranniy by the number of marketable tubers and yield. During 4 years of research in the nursery of competitive varietal trial, the studied breeding lines on average formed yields at the level or higher than the standard varieties. According to the elements of the yield structure in the competitive variety trial lines A-114, A-529 significantly exceeded the standard variety in marketability, as well as had a smaller number and weight of unmarketable tubers. Based on the results of the evaluation in 2019–2021 of the chemical composition of tubers for dietary and functional food, lines with low starch content (up to 14%) are proposed: A-114 (12.2%), А-672а (9.9), А-635а (12.7%). Based on the study in 2019–2022 of the line A-114 in competitive trials, preliminary and production multiplication, ecological assessment, application materials for admission to use and protection of the new potato variety Akrux were submitted to the State Variety Commission.

Evolving dynamics of insect frass fertilizer for sustainable nematode management and potato production.

Potato production faces major challenges from inadequate soil fertility, and nematode infestation, yet synthetic fertilizers and nematicides are costly and harmful to the environment. This study explored the potential of chitin-fortified black soldier fly-composted organic fertilizer (BSFCOF) as a multipurpose organic fertilizer amendment for enhancing potato yield and suppressing potato cyst nematodes (PCN). The BSFCOF was applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha-1 and fortified with chitin from black soldier fly pupal exuviae at inclusion rates equivalent to 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% chitin. Data were collected on potato growth characteristics, PCN population densities, and soil chemical properties for two growing cycles. Results showed that chitin fortified BSFCOF significantly improved potato growth parameters, chlorophyll concentration, marketable tuber yield and number of marketable tubers. The marketable tuber yield achieved using chitin-fortified BSFCOF was 70 - 362%, and 69 - 238% higher than the values achieved using unfertilized soil during the first and second growing cycles, respectively. Soil amendment with chitin-fortified BSFCOF significantly reduced the number of cysts per 200 g soil-1, number of eggs and J2 per cyst-1, eggs g-1 soil and reproduction rate by 32 - 87%, 9 - 92%, 31- 98% and 31 - 98%, respectively. The PCN suppression increased with chitin inclusion rates. There were significantly higher values for soil pH, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and cation exchange capacity in soil amended with BSFCOF compared to unamended soil. This study demonstrates that BSFCOF fortified with 5% chitin is an effective soil enhancer with multiple benefits, including improved soil fertility, potato performance, and effective management of potato cyst nematodes.

Effect of Foliar Spraying with Organic Compounds on Progeny of True Potato Seeds

The research was conducted during the agricultural season of 2022-2023 in a protected greenhouse at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering at Idlib University. The study focused on potato plants derived from true seed cultivation of the Naeema potato variety, planted during the spring season of 2022. Two foliar spray treatments were applied to the cultivated potato plants: amino acids and dry yeast, in addition to a control group that was sprayed with water only. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD). The results showed that the foliar spray treatment with amino acids significantly outperformed the control group in all studied characteristics, including marketable tuber number, main stem length, tuber count per plant, tuber length, tuber diameter, tuber weight, and total tuber yield per plant. Similarly, the foliar spray treatment with dry yeast outperformed the control group in marketable tuber number, main stem length, tuber count per plant, tuber length, and total tuber yield per plant. However, the two treatments had no significant differences in tuber diameter and weight. Finally, the foliar spray treatment with amino acids showed superior results to the foliar spray treatment with dry yeast in marketable tuber number, length, diameter, weight, and total tuber yield per plant. No significant differences were observed between the two foliar spray treatments in main stem length and tuber count per plant.

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.

Effect of Mycorrhizal Addition and Organic Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Potato in Autumn Season

A farmer’s fields in the Al-Azzawiya area / Al-Musayyib district 2021-2022, 40 km north of Hilla / Babylon province’s centre, were used for the experiment. Two elements were put in the split plot scheme of the Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). One replicate had eight experimental treatments, three replications, and the parameters were: - The first component was adding mycorrhiza to the comparative treatment (B0: no fertilisation, control, B1: 7.0 g. plant-1). The second factor: In addition to the control treatment, it added three kinds of organic fertiliser: C1: chicken waste (10 tons.ha-1), C2: humic fertiliser (3 tons.ha-1), and C3: vermicompost (4 tons.ha-1). The least significant difference (L.S.D.) comparing coefficient averages. The findings may be summarised as follows at 0.05. Mycorrhiza (7.0 gm. plant-1) increased plant height and chlorophyll, which showed substantial variations in the potato plant’s vegetative, quantitative, and qualitative traits. The number of marketable tubers was 6.84 tubers.plant-1, the output of one plant was 759.8 g. plant-1, the overall yield was 44.27 tons.ha-1, and the percentages of dry matter, starch, and N and K were in the tubers. The results of adding organic fertiliser showed that poultry waste significantly improved plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll, number of marketable tubers (7.75 tubers. plant-1), yield of one plant (808.3 g. plant-1), total yield (47.99 tonnes.ha-1), dry matter, starch, and N, K in tubers. The bi-interaction therapy (mycorrhiza + organic manure and chicken waste) improved vegetative, quantity, and quality features, plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll percentage of dry matter, and The number of marketable tubers was (9.11 tubers.plant-1), the yield of one plant was (880.5 gm.plant-1), the overall yield was (51.81 tons.ha-1), and the proportion of dry matter, starch, and (, KN) in tubers.

Effect of Bio-Fertilizer and Potassium Spraying on the Growth and Yield of Potatoes for Autumn Season

The experiment was conducted in the fields of a farmer in the Al-Dila area / south of Babylon provainc, at a longitude of 44.39 E and a latitude of 32.3 N, 17 km south of the Hilla city. To study the effect of biofertilizer and potassium source on improving the performance, growth and production of potatoes, the experiment was designed according to a split plot-System using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results of the experiment were statistically analyzed according to the method of analysis of variance and according to the significant differences between the treatments at the probability level of 0.05 using the least significant difference LSD. The results showed that there were significant differences when adding bio-fertilizer in most of the vegetative, quantitative and qualitative traits of potato plants, as the addition of bio-fertilizer Fulzyme (12 kg. ha-1) was significantly excelled in plant height, number of stems, number of leaves, number of total tubers and number of marketable tubers, As for the qualitative traits, it gave the highest rate in the percentage of protein and carbohydrates. The results of spraying with potassium source indicated that there were significant differences in most of the vegetative, quantitative and qualitative traits, where the spraying treatment with potassium sulfate at a concentration of (3 ml. L-1) was achieved. Significantly excelled in the number of main stems, the average marketing weight of the tuber, and the treatment of spraying with nano-potassium at a concentration (2 g. L-1) was significantly excelled in the total plant yield amounting to (1.069 kg. plant-1 and 56.44 tons. ha-1), the yield marketable (54.26 tons. ha-1), the percentage of carbohydrates in the tubers, While the spraying treatment with potassium silicate at a concentration of (3 ml. L-1) achieved significantly excelled in plant height, number of leaves, number of total and marketable tubers, and the percentage of protein in tubers. The two interactions showed a significant effect on most of the vegetative, quantitative and qualitative growth traits of potato plants. The bi-interaction treatment, adding Fulzyme + spraying with potassium silicate, achieved a significantly excelled in the traits of the total yield per ton, which amounted to (61.56 tons. ha-1) and the marketable yield per ton reached(59.41 tons. ha-1).

Correlation and path coefficient analyses of tuber yield and yield components among potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes at Bekoji, Southeastern Ethiopia

The aim of the experiment was to determine the correlations between tuber yield and yield components and to measure the direct and indirect effects of yield components on tuber yield of potato genotypes. The experiment was conducted using eleven potato genotypes with one standard check variety (Belete) and a local check at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Bekoji sub-station during 2020-2021. Data were collected for tuber yield, tuber dry matter content (%), plant height (cm), stem number, specific gravity, and phenological parameters. Since the two seasons had heterogeneous error variance, analysis was carried out separately. In 2020, correlation analysis indicated that the tuber yield was positively and significantly associated with stem height (0.608), marketable tuber (0.997) and positively associated with tuber dry matter content, stem number per plant, days to maturity, while it was negatively correlated with specific gravity, days to emergence and days to flowering at the genotypic level. Total tuber yield was positively and significantly correlated with days to maturity (0.640), stem height (0.791), marketable tuber (0.977) and stem number at the genotypic level. While specific gravity was positively and significantly correlated at the phenotypic level; and negatively at the genotypic level in the second season. Results of path analyses indicated that marketable tubers had the highest positive direct effect (+1.059) on total tuber yield followed by days to flowering (+0.057) and specific gravity (+0.026) in 2020 while marketable tuber (0.7107), stem height (0.2842), tuber dry matter content (0.0078), days to maturity (0.1250) had also positive direct effect in 2021. In addition, most of the indirect effects of yield components on tuber yield were significant and positive. Significant effects of marketable tuber, tuber dry matter content, days to maturity and stem height on total tuber yield, indicated that they could be used as the criteria for potato improvement and breeding programs. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 144-154, December 2022

PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT POTATO VARIETIES UNDER PLASTIC MULCHING CONDITIONS AT DAILEKH, NEPAL

Mulching helps preserve soil fertility by preventing moisture loss, maintaining soil temperature, limiting weed growth, promoting microbial growth, and minimizing soil erosion. An experimental study was conducted to assess the effect of plastic mulching and control conditions (as main factors) on yield attributes of five potato varieties, namely Khumal Seto-1, Desiree, Cardinal, Kufri-Jyoti, and C-88 (as sub-factors), in Dailekh, Nepal during. A Split-plot design was employed comprising altogether ten treatments with three replications each. R-Studio software was used to analyze the data and attribute the responses to growth and yield parameters. The Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to differentiate the treatment means at 5% level of significance. Mulching treatment was found to be significantly more effective than no mulch for all the vegetative growth attributes. Compared to no mulch, the use of plastic mulch produced the greatest plant height (38.66 cm) at 75 DAS, highest number of marketable tubers (11.64), and the total number of tubers per hill (13.04), marketable tuber yield (3.93 kg/m2), and a significantly higher total tuber yield of 25.48 t/ha. Similarly, total tuber yield was found to be highest for Khumal Seto-1 (25.32 t/ha) and least for Kufri-Jyoti (22.38 t/ha). The benefit-cost analysis was found to be significant for the mulch condition and Khumal Seto-1, with promising ratios of 3.28 and 3.48, respectively. Thus, Khumal Seto-1 under plastic mulching may be used for better productivity of potatoes in Dailekh, and moreover, other readily available and accessible mulch options, including organic mulch-materials, can be utilized.

White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) landraces trait profiling and setting benchmark for breeding programs in the Republic of Benin.

To meet the high demand for white Guinea yam, there is a need to develop and release improved varieties to farmers. Unfortunately, low rate of adoption of most of the improved yam varieties by both producers and consumers was observed. Information regarding agronomic characteristics and food qualities of popular white Guinea yam landraces with high market value are not available to establish minimum standards to be considered by breeding programs. To fill this gap, surveys using rural appraisal tools were carried out in 20 villages and 16 markets throughout Benin. Data on the agronomic performance suggested that for an improved variety to be adopted by Beninese farmers it should have a minimum yield of 4.16 ± 0.15 kg per mound, and average number of marketable tubers of 1.23 ± 0.05, a mean tuber length of 36.41 ± 1.22 cm, and a minimum diameter of 25.44 ± 1.16 cm. The sensorial attributes for boiled and pounded tubers of this improved variety should have minimum score of 3.16 for texture, 0.75 for softness, 3.75 for elasticity, and 1.34 for colour during the sensory evaluation. The improved variety must also have a minimum average severity score of 1.1 for yam mosaic virus disease, 1.33 for anthracnose and 1 for nematodes. Landraces Amoula, Laboko, and Djilaadja should be considered as the standard for yield, sensory attributes, and tolerance to pest and diseases while landraces Danwari, Kodjewe, Mondji, and Gnidou should be characterized as possessing good flowering and fruit setting capacities for breeding programs.

Possibility of increasing early crop potato yield with foliar application of silicon

This paper analyses the effect of dosage (0.25 dm3 ha–1 or 0.50 dm3 ha–1) and time (the leaf development stage – BBCH 14–16, tuber initiation stage – BBCH 40–41, at both the leaf development stage and tuber initiation stage) of silicon-based stimulant Optysil application (200 g SiO2 and 24 g Fe in 1 dm3) on early potato yield and yield components. Optysil resulted in an increase in tuber number and tuber weight per plant. As a result, under periodic water deficits during tuber bulking, Optysil increased marketable tuber (with a diameter above 30 mm) yield by an average of 6.90 t ha–1 (50%) and under drought conditions during the potato growth period by 0.70 t ha–1 (8.6%). Under periodic water deficits during tuber bulking, the marketable tuber number per plant and marketable yield were greatest after applying 0.50 dm3 ha–1 of Optysil in the tuber initiation stage (BBCH 40–41). Under drought conditions, the most practical were two Optysil applications at 0.25 dm3 ha–1. The Optysil application improved the market value of the early potato yield by increasing the share of medium-sized tubers (with a diameter of 41–50 mm).

THE ROLE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER (TICAMIN MAX) AND POTASSIUM SULFATE IN THE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE YIELD OF POTATO ( SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.)

The experiment was carried out in College of Agriculture and Forestry / Mosul University during spring season 2021, to investigate the effect of spraying organic acid (Ticamin Max) at a concentrations (1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 ml L-1 ) and potassium sulfate at a concentrations (1.5, 3 , 4.5 and 6 gm l-1) in addition to the control treatment in potato plants ,Arizona cultivar, grade E. The experiment was designed according to the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed : Spraying Ticamin Max at 6 ml l-1 concentration gave the highest significant values in the number of total and marketable tubers per plant, tubers hardness and the percentage of total soluble solids (TSS) in tubers, with a value of 12.88, 11.10, and 12.45 kg cm2 and 6.03%, respectively. The treatment of potassium sulfate at 3 gm l-1 concentration gave the highest significance values in the average marketable tubers weight, marketable plant yield, marketing yield of tubers, percentage of dry matter and starch in tubers, and the specific weight of the tubers, with a value of 93.12 g and 960.89 gm 51.247 tons ha-1 and 19.67%, 13.13% and 1.1920, respectively.

Role of Combined Fertilizer Application on Soil Fertility, Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.): A Review

The combined fertilizer application is a strategy that combines both organic and inorganic plant nutrients to achieve higher crop productivity, prevent soil degradation and thereby aid encounter future food supply needs. The main objective of this paper is to review the role of combined fertilizer application on soil fertility, growth and yield of potato. This paper is done by assessing various kinds of published and unpublished materials and relevant information from different literature sources like libraries, research report, journals, books and Internet center. It has integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizer affects the tuber yield and its attributing characters like an average number of tuber/hills, average tuber weight/hill, marketable tuber number and total dry matter yield. The use of farmyard manure and vermicompost along with inorganic fertilizers is superior to the application of either farmyard manure or vermicompost alone. Application of organic manure along with inorganic fertilizer increased organic carbon, available P and K. But the application of inorganic fertilizer alone had no significant effect on the fertility status of the soil. The reports revealed that integrated use of organic manure and reduced rates of inorganic fertilizer significantly improved potato productivity and improved the fertility status of the soil and could save inorganic fertilizer for sustainable potato production in potato growing areas.

Different Combinations Of Biochar And Urea As A Nitrogen Source: Effect On Growth, Tuber Quality, And Yield Of Potato

Field research was carried out to examine the biochar effect on growth, tuber quality, and yield of the potato crop. Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with 7 treatments of different combinations of biochar and urea (BC100%, BC80%+Urea20%, BC60%+Urea40%, BC40%+Urea60%, BC20%+Urea80%, Urea100%, BCC) as nitrogen source with 4 replications, where all treatments supply recommended dose of fertilizer except control treatment (BCC). The tested variety of potato was Janakdev. The recorded observations showed that biochar mixed with chemical fertilizer had a significantly superior effect on growth (height, branches number, canopy), marketable tuber weight and number, tuber size, yield, and dry matter % as compared to sole biochar (BC100%), sole chemical fertilizer (Urea100%), and control (BCC) treatments. Among the treatments, BC40%+Urea60% (Biochar applied @ 10 t/ha) had resulted significantly higher marketable tuber weight and number, tuber size, yield, and dry matter %. Our results thus demonstrate that the application of chemical fertilizer in combination with biochar could effectively enhance the plant growth, tuber quality, and yield of the potato crop.

Evaluating cassava best management practices towards low fertility soil in West Java, Indonesia

Marginal land with low fertility is a major problem in cassava cultivation. The purpose of this study was to determine the best combination of fertilization to increase the growth and yield of cassava on an Inceptisols soil. Urea (46% N), SP-36 (36% P2O5), KCl (60% K2O), NPK Phonska (15% N:15% P2O5:15% K2O), Poly4 Sirius (14% K2O:17% CaO:6% MgO: 19% S), and chicken manure were used as a nutrient source into six treatment combinations. The results showed that fertilizer application significantly affected the plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, diameter of tubers, the total number of tubers, number and weight of marketable tubers, and the total weight of tubers per plant. The highest fresh and dry weight of storage roots was achieved in the best management practice involving application of 138 kg N + 36 kg P2O5 + 60 kg K2O + 37 kg Ca + 13 kg Mg + 41 kg S per hectare compared to other treatments where the weight of marketable tubers was also higher. The right combination of fertilizer rates was needed to achieve high yield targets of cassava and depends on the site- specific conditions of soil fertility and nutrient status.

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.

Response of sweet potato yield components to stakes angle and mulch type: Sweet potato cultivation in the Papua highlands

This study aims to improve the ability of sweet potato plants to obtain photosynthetic active radiation through a combination of stake angle with mulch as a reflector. The experiments were arranged in a separate plot design with three replications. The main plot consisted of Cangkuang variety with 90° stakes and Cangkuang varieties with 60° stakes. The subplots consisted of no mulch, straw mulch, white sand mulch, clear plastic mulch, and black silver plastic mulch. The results showed that the use of mulch as a reflector on both stake angle was able to increase photosynthesis active radiation by 27.84% to 34.63% compared to without mulch at 16.82%, and the optimum leaf area index at the age of 100 DAP was 3.74 to 4.45 at stake angle of 90° and 3.23 to 4.10 at stake angle of 60°. The number of tubers per plant increased and reached the highest of 3.17 and 4.50 in straw mulch, the number of marketable tubers from 51.90% to 59.23% compared to without mulch of 41.97% for stakes angle of 90° and 44.67% to 65.83% compared without mulch of 32.47% for stakes angle of 60°.