Number Of Tubers Research Articles

Effects of Planting Date and Field Type outweighed the Effect of Seed Origin on Ware Potato Yield

AbstractPotato yields in the Netherlands are highly variable. Although variability in yield has previously been attributed to several crop management factors, part of the variability remains unexplained. It is hypothesized that part of this unexplained yield variability is influenced by seed potato origin, encompassing where and under what conditions seed potatoes have been cultivated. In this study, we investigated the effect of seed potato origin on crop characteristics and tuber yield in interaction with and in comparison to planting date and field type in a two-year on-farm experiment on a large-scale potato farm. We evaluated three different seed potato origins of the variety Fontane, three different planting dates (early, intermediate, late), and two different field types (wet rainfed and dry irrigated). Origin significantly affected the number of stems per plant and the number of tubers per stem in both years. This resulted in a significant effect of origin on the number of tubers per plant in the first year. In that year, the origin with the lowest number of tubers per plant also produced the highest yield of tubers larger than 50 mm. Despite these (small) effects of seed potato origin on crop characteristics, origin did not significantly affect gross and marketable yield. Moreover, there was no interaction between origin and planting date and/or field type. However, planting date and field type had a significant effect on yield. Ware potato yield in the wet rainfed field was up to 17 t ha−1 higher than in the dry irrigated field, and late planting resulted in a yield reduction of up to 10 t ha−1. We conclude that for maximizing ware potato yield of the variety Fontane in the Netherlands, the effects of planting date and field type outweighed the effects of seed tuber origin.

Effect of Chemical Pesticides on the Growth and Yield of Two Industrial Potato Varieties (Asterix and Courage) in Bangladesh

Experiments were conducted to find out suitable disease management practices to produce quality potato seeds in processing the varieties of Asterix and Courage in Bangladesh. A set of two field experiments was conducted in two different Agroecological zones of Bangladesh. A Factorial Randomized Completely Block Design with 2 potato varieties, 4 treatments, and 4 replications for each were used. A significant difference was found in the plant height and number of tubers per hill. In contrast, days to tuberization and the number of stems per hill of both varieties in response to pesticide application were insignificant. The highest tuber yield and better A and B-grade tubers were recorded, in which fungicides and insecticides were applied. The primary viral infection had been identified in the control and fungicide-treated plots only while there was no viral disease incidence was observed in the insecticide-treated plots. The incidence of post-harvest disease and disorder was found to be negligible. J. Bio-Sci. 32(2): 13-22, 2024

SEED POTATO PRODUCTIVITY AS INFLUENCED BY ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION IN SOILLESS MEDIA DURING SPRING SEASON IN SUBTROPICAL REGIONS OF N- W INDIA

Soilless cultivation under controlled conditions is used for rapid multiplication of early generation virus-free potato seed using aeroponics and other mediums. The plant growth under these systems is affected by different factors like soilless media, nutrient solution concentration used, environment, genotype etc. Besides the composition of nutrient solution its electrical conductivity (EC) influences availability of nutrients and affects plant growth and yield. The two-factorial study on water source and EC was carried out on a cocopeat based medium for a nutrient efficient variety Kufri Gaurav. Well sprouted aeroponically produced minitubers of the variety were planted (at 30 x 15 cm planting density) in soilless medium filled troughs placed under net house. The water source Normal tap water was compared with RO (demineralized) water, while EC was considered at three levels 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. The results indicated a proficient growth of the genotype at EC 2.0 (plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf length and number of stems). However, for the yield characters, EC 1.0 was found to produce both higher number of tubers, yield as well as harvest index per meter square. Based on the observations it can be inferred that at lower EC the partitioning of the photosynthates is towards the sink (tubers) as compared to the vegetative growth, which would be more desirable under the soilless systems, where limited/ managed canopy growth is more desirable, with higher productivity. The study also indicated virus free seed production in soilless medium during the spring season (seed plot period lasts up to December) in northwestern plains of India under net house, giving indication for successive/ multiple seed crops under soilless controlled conditions.

EFFECT OF IRRIGATION METHODS AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PRODUCTION AND ECONOMICS OF POTATO UNDER DIFFERENT PRECEDING CROP SEQUENCES IN CENTRAL INDIA

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute-RS, Gwalior, in split-plot design: 3 irrigation methods (main plots) and 5 fertilizer doses in various crop sequences (sub-plots), with four replications. Results revealed that the highest total tuber number (604 thousand/ha) was recorded with dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) which was significantly higher than all other treatments except green gram - potato (75% RDF NPK). Drip irrigation resulted in highest total tuber yield (35.8 t/ha), significantly surpassing other methods. Dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) combination yielded (37.5 t/ha) highest, significantly outperforming others except fallow - potato (50% RDF NPK/ha + 15 t FYM) sequence. Drip irrigation x fallow - potato (50% RDF NPK/ha + 15 t FYM) combination recorded the highest total tuber yield at 40.3 t/ha. Drip irrigation resulted in water-use efficiency of 137 kg/ha-mm and harvest index of 72%, significantly surpassing other methods. Fallow – potato {FYM 7.5 t/ha + crop residue 7.5 t/ha + biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB)} sequence recorded highest harvest index 73%, significantly surpassing other treatments. Drip irrigation resulted in highest WUE (137 kg/ha-mm), significantly surpassing other methods. Combination of drip irrigation x fallow – potato (FYM 7.5 t/ha + 50% RDF NPK) sequence recorded highest WUE (155 kg tuber/ha-mm), significantly outperforming other treatments. Dhaincha – potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence resulted in the highest nitrogen content (216 kg/ha), significantly surpassing others. Dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence significantly out performed in tuber nitrogen uptake (77 kg/ha) to other sequences. Combination of drip irrigation x dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence recorded highest N uptake (83 kg/ha). Benefit : cost was highest with drip irrigation (3.1) among irrigation methods and it was highest with dhaincha - potato (75% RDF NPK) sequence (2.99) among crop sequences.

Bed, ridge and planting configurations influence crop performance in field-transplanted hybrid potato crops

Current cultivation practices for field transplanted potato crops grown from nursery-raised hybrid potato seedlings are mostly borrowed from the tuber-based conventional system. Most studies on field performance of field transplanted seedling crops have largely reported the use of ridged rows and in exceptional cases, the use of beds. It is therefore critical to assess the feasibility of the use of alternative ridge or bed systems for cultivation of field-transplanted nursery-raised potato seedlings considering the differences in physiological behaviour of crops grown from different starting materials. This study assessed the effects of six systems which included bed and ridge systems of different dimensions and planting configurations for field transplanted seedling crops. Field crop establishment, canopy growth and development as well as yield and yield components were assessed. In general, systems that boasted high plant densities resulted in faster canopy development and higher number of tubers and tuber yield. Bed systems (raised and flat beds; 8.0 plants m−2) therefore gave the highest numbers of tubers and tuber yield across all treatments. These systems also produced the most tubers in all tuber size classes resulting in the highest yields in all classes. Standard ridge systems (full- and half ridges; 0.75 m row distance), had the lowest plant populations (5.3 plants m−2) which resulted almost always in fewer tubers and lower yield. Other ridge systems (0.9-m and 0.5-m ridge systems), although having higher plant densities than the standard ridge systems (8.9 and 8.0 plants m−2, respectively) still performed poorer than the bed systems. The small and compact ridges in the 0.5-m ridge system and the compact arrangement of plants in the 0.9-m ridge system caused these effects. Conclusively, based on this study, productivity in field transplanting systems is highly influenced by plant density. Further, cultivation systems boasting higher planting densities should be recommended when the goal for production is to produce large quantities of seed tubers (> 35; ≤ 50 mm).

Understanding the Impact of Zinc and Boron Applications on Growth and Yield Attributes in Potato

Research examines the impact of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the growth, and yield of potato plants. The screen house experiment used four treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (Zn 5g/L), T3 (B 2g/L), and T4 (Zn 5g/L + B 2g/L). Growth characteristics were evaluated, such as the emergence percentage, plant vigor, number of stem /meter2, plant height, and stem diameter. In addition, essential yield metrics such as number of tubers, tuber weight (g), dry matter content, and specific gravity were also assessed. The findings indicated that concurrent administration of T4 had a substantial positive impact on the plant's vitality, height, stem thickness, and stem density per square meter compared to the control group. This suggests a cooperative influence of these micronutrients on the growth of plant structures. However, in terms of yield qualities, the use of Zn alone T2 led to the greatest tuber weight, dry matter content, and specific gravity. Showing that Zn plays a crucial role in maximizing tuber growth and quality. The treatment T4 enhanced yield parameters compared to the control, but it did not exceed the effects of either Zn or B individually in T2 and T3. This emphasizes the intricate interaction between these nutrients. However, when it comes to maximizing yield attributes in potato cultivation, using Zn alone may be more successful. The results indicate that customizing the management of micronutrients could optimize the growth and output of potatoes, hence enhancing agricultural productivity. Additional research is advised to investigate the most effective dosages and combinations

The Application of Paclobutrazol to GA3-Treated Seed Tuber Potato Fields Does Not Shorten the Growth Cycle or Mitigate Tuber Elongation.

Potato seed tubers are a valuable product in potato agriculture. Over the years, studies have been conducted to increase the fraction of mid-size tubers, which are used as a planting material, within the general pool of tuber sizes. Gibberellic acid has been a central component of such studies and has successfully increased the seed-size pool. However, in many cases, misshapen tubers were formed, and the practice has not become widespread. The use of the gibberellic acid inhibitor paclobutrazol has been examined for its ability to increase seed tuber number and tuber growth and to overcome the heat inhibition of tuberization in warm climates. Paclobutrazol has been shown to increase tuber yield and growth rate. In this study, we aimed to test whether the combination of gibberellic acid and paclobutrazol can increase the seed tuber pool, reduce the number of misshapen tubers, and shorten the growth cycle, thus avoiding end-of-season elevated heat conditions and reducing agricultural inputs. Our findings suggest that gibberellic acid on its own can lead to an increase in the number of seed tubers at earlier stages of growth; however, the sequential addition of paclobutrazol was not able to drive even earlier growth or lower the number of misshapen tubers.

Branching response to stem density and its impact on yield in hybrid potato grown from true seeds and seedling tubers

ContextHybrid potato crops can be grown from true potato seeds or from seedling tubers. True-seed-grown plants produce lower marketable tuber yield than seedling-tuber-grown plants, because of their low early vigour and distinct growth and development patterns, notably in term of main stem number and stem branching. These differences are pivotal for yield formation but their impacts on crop performance and yield are not well understood. ObjectivesWe quantified the differences between the propagule types (true seeds vs seedling tubers) in their branching responses to stem density and assessed to what extent these differences contribute to differences in crop development and tuber production. MethodsTwo field experiments were conducted in different years, planting transplants from true seeds and pre-sprouted seedling tubers from the same genotype, while controlling their stem density per unit area. Responses in stem branching and biomass partitioning to stem density were quantified on individual main stems, followed by an evaluation of the impact of these responses on crop performance. ResultsOn individual main stems in both propagule types, higher stem density decreased branch development, decreased the number of branches above- and belowground, resulted in shifts in aboveground branch distribution towards lower branching orders, and led to smaller tuber sizes. However, such branching responses were stronger in true-seed-grown plants than in seedling-tuber-grown plants. At crop level, differences between propagule types were significant in canopy duration, number of tubers, tuber size distribution and marketable yield, but there was no stem density effect. ConclusionOur results emphasized the differences between propagule types in branching and its impact on crop development and tuber yield, due to the absence of stem density effects. Propagule type effects could be attributed to intrinsic differences between propagule types in branching control, growth habit and source-sink relations. These effects are relevant for hybrid potato breeding and require further research. Management practices were partly responsible for year-to-year differences in branching and yield formation, which highlights their significance for hybrid potato production.

Effect of biochar composition and paclobutrazol concentration on growth and yield of G1 Medians cultivar potato seeds in Jatinangor medium plain

Potato seed production in the medium plain is necessary to avoid environmental damage and the limited area of potato seed production in the high plain. The effort to increase the production of G1 potato seeds on the medium plain is the evaluation of the biochar composition and concentration of paclobutrazol that can increase the production G1 potato seeds cv Medians in the medium plain of Jatinangor. The research was conducted from August to December 2022 at the Ciparanje Experimental Field. Jatinangor. Faculty of Agriculture. Universitas Padjadjaran. The experiment used a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD). The first factor was the biochar composition: m1 (100% compost), m2 (80% compost + 20% rice husk biochar), m3 (80% compost + 20% coconut shell biochar), and m4 (80% compost + 10% biochar husk rice + 10% coconut shell biochar). The second factor was the paclobutrazol concentration: p1 (without paclobutrazol), p2 (100 ppm paclobutrazol), and p3 (150 ppm paclobutrazol). The experimental results showed that there was no reaction effect of biochar compositions and paclobutrazol concentrations on the growth and yield of G1 potato seeds. The application of 80% compost + 20 % rice husk biochar gave significantly higher yields than treatment without biochar. The number of tubers was 6.29 knol per plant and the tuber weight was 66.80 g per plant. Application of 100 ppm paclobutrazol resulted in lower plant height, gave the number of tubers was 6.39 knol per plant, tuber weight per plant was 63.34 g higher than without paclobutrazol and produced more seed tubers with S class.

Analisis Kepuasan Petani Terhadap Atribut Benih Kentang (G2) Industri di Kabupaten Garut

Satisfaction is a product that is preferred to fulfill its desires. Potatoes are horticultural crops that have high carbohydrate content, adaptive business segments, clear markets, non-perishability, longer shelf life, and high economic value. Farmer satisfaction in assessing various attributes of seed potatoes is assessed from the fulfillment of expectations or expectations that are met, good performance, and perceived benefits. The purpose of this study is to measure farmers' satisfaction with industrial seed potatoes in Garut Regency. This study used a quantitative method with a descriptive analysis approach involving 100 respondents using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) analysis tools. The research was conducted in two districts in Garut Regency. The results of the study show that the level of satisfaction of potato farmers is at a satisfied level, where the attributes of industrial potato seeds included in Quadrant I are pest-free potato seeds and ease of obtaining them, seed morphology that has resistance to pests, seed production calculated from productivity and the number of tubers, market convenience, tuber selling prices, and services in assisting the production process. While the attributes of industrial potato seeds included in Quadrant II are price and quality assurance of distributed seeds. Then, located in Quadrant III are the purchase price of seeds and the timeliness of delivery. The need for both farmers and the government to intensify the use of certified superior potato seeds in order to produce potato production and productivity in accordance with market demand.

Efek Pengaplikasian Sitokinin Dan Paclobutrazol Terhadap Ukuran Rimpang Tanaman Kunyit (Curcuma Domestica Val.)

Since COVID-19, the demand for turmeric has continued to increase both domestically and for export opportunities. This encourages the continued development of turmeric cultivation. The use of growth regulators can be done to regulate plant growth patterns. This study aims to determine the effect of the application of cytokinin and paclobutrazole on the size of the rhizomes of turmeric plants (Curcuma domestica Val.). This study used a Randomized Group Design (RAK) with 2 treatment factors, which are : Factor I Cytokinin (S) consists of 3 kinds, namely S1: 0 mg/l water, S2: 10 mg/l water and S3: 20 mg/l water while, Factor II: Paclobutrazole (K) consists of 4 kinds, namely: P1: 0 g/l water, P2: 0.50 g/l water, P3: 0.75 g/l water, P4: 1 g/l water. Based on the results of the experiment, it shows that the application of ZPT Cytokinin (BAP) and Paclobutrazole on turmeric plants gives a real interaction effect on the observation of vegetative growth of plant height, while on the harvest observation variable only gives a real interaction effect on the observation of plant biomass and not real on the number of tubers and tuber weight. The concentration and time of application of cytokinin (BAP) and paclobutrazole will affect the nature of stimulation and inhibition of growth, the application of BAP at a concentration of 10-20 mg / l water can increase growth but if combined with paclobutrazole above 0.75 g / l water will actually have an inhibiting effect.

Evaluation of Irish Potato Genotypes (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.) Against Diseases for Adaptability in Sierra Leone

Irish Potato is an emerging crop of high economic value in Sierra Leone. Cultivation of the crop is limited, and farmers are faced with numerous problems in the production of the crop. This research was done to identify diseases resistant adaptable sweet potato genotypes under Sierra Leone condition. Six Irish potato genotypes collected from the Futa Jalon highlands in Guinea were evaluated in Kabala and Njala during 2013 and 2014 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on agronomic parameters as wells as pest and disease. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. Mean comparison was done using least significant difference (LSD) at 5% probability. Findings revealed that Kabala exhibited higher field establishment rates compared to Moyamba, with Spunta, Arnova, Nicola, and Mandola displaying significantly higher establishment percentages. Similarly, Spunta consistently exhibited the largest leaf area, vine length and highest plant vigor scores across locations. While all genotypes were susceptible to Potato Virus Disease (PVD), bacterial blight, and late blight, Spunta displayed the highest resistance to these diseases. Variations in tuber number and weight per plant were observed, with Spunta (4.4 and 3.6 t/ha) and Mandola (3.5 t/ha) showing the highest yields at both locations respectively. Notably, Spunta consistently outperformed other genotypes in terms of yield across both locations. These findings underscore the importance of genotype selection tailored to local conditions and the need for disease management strategies to enhance potato production and food security in Sierra Leone. Further research focusing on breeding programs targeting disease resistance and yield optimization is warranted to address the productivity challenges faced by Irish potato cultivation in Sierra Leone.

Improvement of potato cultivation technology elements in production conditions

The results of improving potato cultivation technology by increasing the efficiency of plant protection system in the conditions of production experience are presented. The study was conducted in 2021–2023 on the lands of the OOO "Druzhba-2" (Bryansk region, Zhiryatinsky district). Two potato varieties of the first reproduction, Red Scarlett (Netherlands) and Gala (Germany), were the object of the study. The experiment scheme included two variants: 1) traditional potato protection system adopted in the farm (control); 2) improved protection system. Both protection systems are aimed at the prevention of pests (Colorado potato beetle, snap beetle larvae), weeds (cleavers, black nightshade, purple deadnettle, lamb's quarters, wild camomile, annual bluegrass, wind bent grass) and diseases (early blight, late blight, silver scurf, rhizoctoniose, various types of rots, pythium). Soils of the sites are sod-podzolic. The forecrop is winter rapeseed. The total area of the production experiment was 120 ha (60 ha under each variety). Potatoes were grown under intensive technology with conventional tillage system on a 75 × 28 cm pattern. Planting rate is 50 thousand tubers per 1 ha. The technology is designed to obtain tuber yields of 40–60 t/ha. Experimentally it has been established that the application of the improved technology with the use of a new plant protection system for the farm contributes to an increase in plant stand density and their safety at the time of harvesting by 2.5–3.0%, increase in the number of tubers from one plant by 7.5–10.0%, average weight of one tuber – by 7–11%, weight of tubers from one plant – by 14.5–23.0%, yield – by 17–26%, marketability – by 12.5–14.5%, marketable yield – by 32–45%, conditional net income – by 16.2–24.5%.

QTL discovery for agronomic and quality traits in diploid potato clones using PotatoMASH amplicon sequencing.

We genotyped a population of 618 diploid potato clones derived from six independent potato-breeding programmes from NW-Europe. The diploids were phenotyped for 23 traits, using standardized protocols and common check varieties, enabling us to derive whole population estimators for most traits. We subsequently performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for all traits with SNPs and short-read haplotypes derived from read-backed phasing. In this study, we used a marker platform called PotatoMASH (Potato Multi-Allele Scanning Haplotags); a pooled multiplex amplicon sequencing based approach. Through this method, neighboring SNPs within an amplicon can be combined to generate multiallelic short-read haplotypes (haplotags) that capture recombination history between the constituent SNPs and reflect the allelic diversity of a given locus in a different way than single bi-allelic SNPs. We found a total of 37 unique QTL across both marker types. A core of 10 QTL was detected with SNPs as well as with haplotags. Haplotags allowed to detect an additional 14 QTL not found based on the SNP set. Conversely, the bi-allelic SNP set also found 13 QTL not detectable using the haplotag set. We conclude that both marker types should routinely be used in parallel to maximize the QTL detection power. We report 19 novel QTL for nine traits: Skin Smoothness, Sprout Dormancy, Total Tuber Number, Tuber Length, Yield, Chipping Color, After-cooking Blackening, Cooking Type, and Eye depth.

Effect of straw and plastic mulches on growth and yield of zero tillage potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Coastal Khulna Region of Bangladesh

A randomized complete block design experiment was undertaken at the field laboratory of the Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, from November 2021 to March 2022 to ascertain the impact of various mulch treatments on zero tillage potato cultivation. The experiment employed BARI Alu 78 as the planting material and utilized three replications with five distinct mulch treatments. These mulch treatments were identified as follows: Straw mulch (T1), Mulch film (T2), Black polythene (T3), White polythene (T4), and Blue polythene (T5). The metrics that were recorded included the number of sprouts, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf width, leaf length, number of tubers, tuber length, tuber breadth, number of defective tubers, weight of defective tubers, and tuber weight. Different mulching techniques significantly influenced the overall crop yield and the underlying factors that influenced the results. The mulch film treatment resulted in the highest yield, with a production of 34.76 tons per hectare, followed by black polythene (28.11 tons per hectare), straw mulch (23.74 tons per hectare), white polythene (20.44 tons per hectare), and blue polythene (18.66 tons per hectare). The economic analysis revealed that mulch film had a high benefit cost ratio along with high input and output. Black polythene came in second place when the benefit cost ratio was compared to that of mulch film and the rest of the three treatments. Combining zero tillage with mulch film or black polythene demonstrates significant potential for becoming a cost-effective practice in the coastal region of Bangladesh.

Effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and blended NPSB fertilizer rate on growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Gewata, Kaffa, southwest Ethiopia

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an essential crop for nutrition and food security and generating income to small-holder farmers in Ethiopia. Productivity of the crop is, however, limited by poor nutrient management practices and low soil fertility. In most parts of potato growing areas of Ethiopia, soil are deficient in macro (nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur) and micro nutrients (boron) which are known to affect production and productivity of potato. A field trail was accompanied to determine the growing response of potatoes ’Belete varieties’ to combine the treatment of farmyard manure and blended NPSB (nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur and boron) fertilizer at Gewata, southwest Ethiopia during 2019/2020 main cropping season. The variables are laid out four level of farmyard manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha) and four level of blended NPSB fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha). The treatments were organized in a completely randomized block design with three replications using a 4x4 factorial layout. SAS (version 9.4) was used for data were analyzed. The finding indicate that, combined application of FYM (farmyard manure) with NPSB significantly (p<0.01) affects plant height, average mass of tuber, number of marketable and unmarketable tuber per hill, and tuber yields per plot. It also significantly (p<0.05) influenced days to flowering, maturity, and tuber number per hill. The highest tuber weight (99.33 g), tuber number per hill (9.67), and yield (34.10 kg) per plot were recorded from the mixed fertilization of 15 t FYM with 150 kg/ha NPSB mineral nutrients. As a current finding, it can be stated that the combined use of FYM (15 t/ha) and NPSB blended fertilizer could improve potato growth and yield in the study area (150 kg/ha).

Agronomic performance and consumer acceptability of improved water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) varieties in the Republic of Benin

White yam (Dioscorea rotundata L.) is widely cultivated, and is a staple food in the Republic of Benin. However, its production is highly sensitive to soil infertility, leading to low yields over the years. In order to address the challenges of land reduction and climate change, it is crucial to introduce more adapted yam varieties to traditional Beninese agriculture. Water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) varieties are viable options, as they need less soil fertility and yield more than D. rotundata, but have a poor culinary performance. The aim of this study is to assess the agronomic and culinary performance of 15 improved water yam genotypes developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) compared to local cultivars. In 2022 and 2023, multilocal trials (4 sites) were performed in the yam-growing areas, and nine villages were selected for culinary evaluation. Linear mixed-effects models and generalized mixed-effects models showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in location, year of experimentation, and certain evaluated agronomic parameters. The improved varieties had a strong likelihood of producing small tubers that could be used as seeds. The agronomic and culinary performance of local water yam accessions has been superior to that of improved varieties. Due to its numerous medium tubers, TDa_1508044 could be introduced for production of yam chips. TDa_1510080, which showed a stable high yield throughout the trial sites, and TDa_1510119, which gave a great number of marketable large-size tubers, showed the best agronomic performance with a yield of more than 25 t/ha. TDa_1510043, TDa_0000194, and TDa_1515030 improved varieties that performed well in both culinary and agronomic ways could be widely adopted by farmers in the yam-growing areas of Benin.

Potato seed production of G2 from plantlet cutting by setting of population, spacing, and mulch

Abstract Quick multiplication of potato seeds using plantlet cuttings outside of screen house can accelerate the availability of high quality seeds, especially G2 seeds. However, some obstacles are faced, especially the low adaptation rate of plantlet cuttings. This study aimed to increase the production of potato seed G2 from plantlet cutting by using various population number per hole, spacing, and plastic mulch. The study used a randomized completed block design with three treatment factors and six replications. The first factor was the population number (1, 2, 3, and 4 cuttings per hole). The second was spacing in row (20 and 30 cm). The third was the usage of mulch (yes and no). The results showed that the technology combination of four cuttings per hole, spacing in rows of 30 cm, and mulch had the largest number of total and medium tubers per plant. The population at a planting distance of 30 cm which was reduced in this treatment could be increased by increasing the number of cuttings per hole, so that the total number of tubers remained high, especially when using mulch. Single cutting in no mulch and wider spacing would promote much number of large tubers.

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.

Assessing the compost of Prosopis farcta and Alhagi maurorum as organic fertilizer for potato growth and yield (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Growing potatoes requires great care because it needs large nutrients. Proper fertilization is a critical aspect of improving yield. This study comprises a field experiment to assess the impact of several fertilization approaches on the crop performance of potato (cv. Montreal). In this context, we used eight distinct fertilizer treatments: control (T0), standard mineral fertilizer (T1), substance mushroom spent (T2), cow + poultry manure (T3), compost (T4), 50% standard mineral fertilizer comprising substance mushroom spent (T5), 50% standard mineral fertilizer augmented with cow + poultry manure (T6) and 50% standard mineral fertilizer augmented with compost (T7). The results indicate that control treatment gave least days to mean germination time. While the standard mineral fertilizer (T1) had the highest values in chlorophyll content in leaves, single tuber weight, tuber count per plant, and plant yield. On the other hand, (T6) showed significant increment in number of tubers per plant. Meanwhile, (T7) treatment produced higher marketable yield and tuber per plant. Whereas, there are not significant difference among treatments in number of arial stems. on the other hand, these results were the lowest for the control treatment. Hence, the fertilization approach extensively impacts vegetative development and tuber yield.