Tuber Production Research Articles

Studies on the effect of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium on soil nutrient status of seed tuber production derived from apical rooted cuttings of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) var. Kufri Badshah under central Telangana region

Studies on the effect of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium on soil nutrient status of seed tuber production derived from apical rooted cuttings of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) var. Kufri Badshah under central Telangana region

Response of Solanum tuberosum L. to drip irrigation and nitrogen application: productivity, nutrition composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity

Sustainable crop cultivation is a crucial goal in modern agriculture, aiming to attain high productivity while conserving natural resources. This requires the implementation of rational cultivation techniques, with proper irrigation and fertilization practices playing a crucial role in ensuring plant well-being and providing natural protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. The health-promoting properties of crops are also significantly influenced by irrigation and fertilization. This study investigated the productivity, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of Vineta early potato cultivar tubers under drip irrigation conditions, combined with nitrogen fertilization through fertigation or broadcasting. Two-factor trials included drip irrigation (control or drip) and nitrogen application (broadcast or fertigation). Precise treatments, such as drip irrigation and N-fertigation were found to enhance all productivity traits. Both practices positively impacted tuber nutrient content. The highest levels of total polyphenols and chlorogenic acid were observed in non-irrigated and broadcasted tubers. Drip-irrigated and N-fertigated tubers exhibited high levels of vitamin C and antioxidant activity. In summary, the combination of drip irrigation with appropriate fertilization methods positively influenced potato crops, as evidenced by an increase in productivity and the quality of tubers.

SCREENING OF POTENTIAL INDIAN POTATO VARIETIES FOR EXPORT PROMOTION FROM WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH AND GUJARAT

Indian potato production potential (54 million tonnes) strengthens the cause of export of this crop from the country. Government of India has identified districts of Agra and Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Sabarkantha and Banaskantha in Gujarat for potato export promotion in the Agri- export policy-2018. However, issues like suitable varieties, sustainable production and protection technologies, and efficient marketing channel are challenges for acceleration of potato export in a significant way. One of the critical gaps, suitable export potential varieties was taken up in current study. Eight potato varieties were evaluated in replicated field trials at farmer’s fields in district Agra and Gandhinagar. Based upon yield performance and feedback from exporters, potato varieties Kufri (K) Frysona (35.3), K Ganga (31.8), K Chipsona-3 (28.2), K Sangam (28.0) and K Bahar (24.0) have better export-grade (>55mm) tuber production potential (tha-1) in western Uttar Pradesh. Variety K Chipsona-3 (30.7), K Sangam (29.6), K Ganga (27.2) and K Frysona (24.9) are exhibiting prospects of export from Gujarat. Newly released specialty potato cv. K Neelkanth has also attracted the attention of exporters. Suitable potato varieties acceptable for importing destinations and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) developed by ICAR- CPRI holds a better future for Indian potato export.

PRODUKSI UBI JALAR (Ipomea batatas L.) KARENA PENGARUH KETINGGIAN BEDENGAN DAN JENIS MULSA

Sweet potato plants require bed height and type of mulch for good growth and production. This research aims to determine the effect of bed height and mulch type on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production. The study used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 2 factors. The first factor is the treatment of bed height and the second is the mulch type. The research was analyzed using analysis of variance and continued with an honest significant difference (HSD) test which will be done using the Excel application. The research showed that bed height and partial use of mulch significantly affected tuber production in sweet potatoes. The best bed height is 30 cm. The use of silver-black plastic mulch has a significant influence on sweet potato production. The interaction between bed height and mulch type only significantly affected tuber length in sweet potatoes

Effects of application methods of microbial mixture on early blight disease (Alternaria solani) and growth of potato

Early blight (Alternaria solani) is one of important diseases in potato in Indonesia. In previous study, a microbial consortium (Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp.) suppressed the bacterial wilt disease in potato. For application, the microbial consortium was mixed with compost (10%). As the microbial consortium is originally intended for controlling soil-borne diseases, this study examined the ability of the microbial consortium to suppress early blight disease and the effects of application methods on its efficacy. The application methods examined were the methods that targeted for soil-borne as well as airborne diseases. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Department of Plants and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia. The experiment used Randomized Complete Block Design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments included application of microbes mixed with compost in planting hole solely or in combination with soaking the potato tubers in suspension of the microbes, drenching water extract of the mixture at 2, 4, 6 weeks after planting (WAP) with or without foliar application of the water extract. The result showed that application method influenced the abilities of the microbial mixture in suppressing early blight disease and supporting the potato growth. Even though the application of microbe-compost in planting medium inhibited the development of early blight disease by 37.8-39.5%, the regular foliar spray of the water extract of the mixture enhanced the disease suppression. Combination between application of the microbe-compost in the planting hole, drenching its water extract at 2, 4, 6 WAP and weekly foliar spray of the water extract suppressed early blight disease by 80.8%. This combination of application methods also supported better plant height, numbers of potato leaflets, roots fresh weight and production of potato tuber.

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.

The impact of the use of biostimulants and herbicide on reducing the occurrence of defects and small tubers in the potato yield

The aim of this study conducted in 2018–2020 was to determine the effect of biostimulants and herbicide Avatar 293 ZC on the occurrence of external and internal defects and small tubers in the potato yield. The edible cultivars evaluated were Oberon and Malaga and the biostimulants used were: PlonoStart containing prolactic acid bacteria, actinomycetes (N-16.4%, K2O-0.75%, CaO-0.07%, MgO-0.02%, S-941 mg · kg−1), Aminoplant containing free amino acids-11.57%, organic matter-87.7% (Ntotal-9.48%, Norganic-9.2%, N-NH4- 0.88%, Corganic-25.0%), and Agro-Sorb Folium including total amino acids-13.11%, free amino acids-10.66% (N-2.2%, B-0.02%, Mn-0.05%, Zn-0.09%) with herbicides (clomazone and metribuzin): objects 3,4 and 5 and a single herbicide (object 2), as well as a control object (1). Before harvesting, tubers were collected from 10 randomly selected plants from each plot. The yield structure was determined in these samples - the weight share of tubers below 35 mm, 36–50, 51–60 and above 60 mm. Tubers with a diameter of less than 35 mm were classified as small, non-commercial tubers. Tubers with a diameter above 35 mm constituted the commercial fraction, in which external and internal defects were determined. The sum of tubers with defects and small tubers constituted side yield. The use of all biostimulants with herbicide significantly reduced: the share of tubers with defects, the share of small tubers in the yield and the total weight of small tubers and tubers with defects compared to the control plant. The best effects in reducing the occurrence of tubers with external and internal defects and small tubers were obtained by using the Agro-Sorb Folium and herbicide. Among the cultivars, Malaga cv. turned out to be more resistant to defects and the production of small tubers than the Oberon cv. In the literature, especially foreign, there are sporadic studies on the effect of biostimulants on the occurrence of defects in potato tubers.

Leaf Membrane Stability under High Temperatures as an Indicator of Heat Tolerance in Potatoes and Genome-Wide Association Studies to Understand the Underlying Genetics.

High temperatures during the crop growing season are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, resulting in reduced crop productivity and quality. Heat stress disrupts plant metabolic processes that affect cell membrane composition and integrity. Cell membrane permeability, ion leakage, and heat shock proteins have been evaluated to screen for heat tolerance in plants. In potatoes, it is unclear whether leaf membrane stability under heat stress is correlated with underground tuber productivity and quality. The main goal of this study was to evaluate if leaf membrane relative electrolyte conductivity (REC) under high temperatures could be used to identify heat-tolerant potato genotypes. Electrolyte leakage assays, correlation estimations, and genome-wide association studies were carried out in 215 genotypes. Expression levels of small heat shock protein 18 (sHSP18) were evaluated in the heat-sensitive potato variety Russet Burbank and compared with those of the heat-tolerant variety Vanguard Russet using Western blotting. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for leaf membrane REC under extreme heat (50°C); REC values ranged from 47.0-99.5%. Leaf membrane REC was positively correlated with tuber external and internal defects and negatively correlated with yield. REC was negatively correlated with the content of several tuber minerals, such as nitrogen, magnesium, and manganese. Eleven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for leaf membrane REC, explaining up to 13.8% of the phenotypic variance. Gene annotation in QTL areas indicated associations with genes controlling membrane solute transport and plant responses to abiotic stresses. Vanguard Russet had lower leaf REC and higher expression of sHSP18 under high-temperature stress. Our findings indicate that leaf membrane REC under high temperatures can be used as an indicator of potato heat tolerance.

Developing a Hyperspectral Remote Sensing-Based Algorithm to Diagnose Potato Moisture for Water-Saving Irrigation

Appropriate water supply is crucial for high-yield and high-quality potato tuber production. However, potatoes are mainly planted in arid and semi-arid regions in China, where the precipitation usually cannot meet the water demand throughout the growth period. In view of the actual situation of water shortage in these areas, to monitor the water status of potato plants timely and accurately and thus precisely control the irrigation are of significance for water-saving management of potatoes. Hyperspectral remote sensing has unique advantages in diagnosing crop water stress. In this paper, the canopy spectral reflectance and plant water content were measured under five irrigation treatments. The spectral parameters that respond to plant water content were selected, and a hyperspectral water diagnosis model for leaf water content (LWC) and aboveground water content (AGWC) of potato plants was established. It was found that potato tuber yield was the highest during the entire growth period under sufficient irrigation, and the plant water content showed a downward trend as the degree of drought intensified. The peak hyperspectral reflectance of potato plant canopies appeared in the red wavelength, where the reflectance varied significantly under different water treatments and decreased with decreasing irrigation. Six models with sensitive bands, first-order derivatives, and moisture spectral indices were established to monitor water content of potato plants. The R2 values of partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM), and BP neural network (BP) models are 0.8418, 0.9020, and 0.8926, respectively, between LWC and hyperspectral data; and 0.8003, 0.8167, and 0.8671, respectively, between the AGWC and hyperspectral data. These six models can all predict the water content of potato plants, but SVM is the best model for predicting LWC of potato plants. These results are of great significance for guiding precision irrigation of potato plants at different growth stages.

Small soil wetted proportion and emitter flow rate of drip irrigation enhance potato yield by improving soil water and aeration in the sandy loam in arid Northwest China

Creating an ideal soil microclimate through appropriate drip irrigation management practices is crucial for enhancing potato production. Field experiments were conducted during 2021 and 2022 in Wuwei, Gansu Province, Northwest China, with two soil wetted proportion levels (P1: 35 %, and P2: 55 %) and three emitter flow rates (F1: 1.3 L/h, F2: 2.0 L/h, and F3: 3.0 L/h). Results showed that for the same soil wetted proportion, soil water content was reduced in the 0–20 cm soil layer and increased in the 20–40 cm for F1 compared to F2 and F3, with no differences in the 40–60 cm depth. During the tuber initiation and bulking stages, the soil wetted proportion P1 increased soil oxygen saturation by 2.8 % and 0.7 % and reduced CO2 concentration by 26.7 % and 19.2 % in 2021 and 2022, respectively, compared to P2 in the 20–40 cm soil layer. The emitter flow rate F1 exhibited significantly greater soil oxygen (0.7–4.6 %) and lower CO2 concentration (16–46 %) than F2 and F3 in the 0–20 cm. Soil oxygen was significantly higher (0.5–2.1 %) and CO2 concentration was significantly lower (10–39 %) in the 20–40 cm in F1 than in F3. In the 0–40 cm soil layer, both the highest soil oxygen concentration and lowest CO2 concentration were observed for the P1F1 combination. The soil wetted proportion P1 increased average yield by 5.6 % in 2021 and 11.9 % in 2022 compared to P2, while F2 and F3 reduced yield by 2.4 % and 4.6 % in 2021, 4.1 % and 13.8 % in 2022 compared to F1. The soil wetted proportion P2 promoted source growth compared to P1 but limited sink expansion. Source capacity, sink growth, and average tuber growth rates decreased from F1 to F3. Overall, the 35 % soil wetted proportion and 1.3 L/h emitter flow rate are recommended for potato cultivation in sandy loam. This study clarified the importance of coordinating soil water and aeration by drip irrigation management to improve potato tuber production.

HIGH-QUALITY CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR GROWING PIGS: IMPLICATIONS ON CARCASS, MEAT QUALITY, ORGAN WEIGHTS, HEPATIC AND JEJUNUM HISTOLOGY

The global increase in the production and processing of cassava tubers generates a lot of peel as waste. However, the effect of processing methods to increase the quality of the peel as an animal feed resource must look at the quality of the resultant food products. These effects are insufficiently studied. The study aimed to assess the impact of the processed peel on carcass quality, meat quality, organ weight and organ histology of growing pigs. Thirty (30) male growing pigs (Landrace × Large white) were randomly distributed to five groups with six (6) animals per group in a completely randomized design. Maize was substituted with high quality cassava peel meal (HQCPM) at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for the experimental diets ranging from diets V to Z. The pigs fed HQCPM diets had higher carcass weights, resulting in an improved carcass yield. The colour, flavour, tenderness, juiciness, texture, and overall acceptability were statistically superior in the pigs fed diet Z. High feed fibre influenced organ weights: the HQCPM diets reduced (P<0.05) the organ weights. More so, the HQCPM diets affected (P<0.05) the histology of the liver and intestine with varying degrees of inflammation, shortened villi length, and reduced surface area. HQCPM diets enhanced the carcass weight and meat quality of growing pigs up to 100% replacement for maize. Nevertheless, the diets reduced organ weights and villi lengths, leading to reduced absorptive function.

A complex biostimulant based on plant flavonoids enhances potato growth and commercial yields

IntroductionPotatoes are one of the world’s most important agricultural crops, with potential for making a major contribution to global food security. This study shows how a biostimulant derived from a plant extract can improve potato crop yield and global food supply. Successful potato production currently requires significant levels of inputs including fertiliser, pesticides and irrigation, however non-microbial plant biostimulants or mixtures of biostimulants with synergistic actions, have the capacity to reduce inputs and improve the sustainability of intensive agriculture.MethodsA complex biostimulant containing a number of flavonoids including protocatechuic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, coumaroyl quinic acid and gentistic acid was tested against three potato varieties for its efficacy in improving plant growth characteristics and tuber production in controlled and field environments.ResultsIn containers, complex biostimulant treatment enhanced photosynthetic ability, with elevated levels of chlorophyll, higher specific leaf areas and significantly larger leaf assimilation areas. Treatment also significantly increased tuber yield by an average of 33% in tuber weight across three potato varieties and shifted tuber production toward larger sized tubers. The biostimulant derived from flavonoids was also assessed in 6 commercial potato crops and consistently increased total yield (average 5.2%) and marketable yield, representing an increase in margins of UK£700 per hectare across the 6 crops. Similar increases in yield were seen when comparing chitted and unchitted seed potatoes and both types of seed responded positively to biostimulant application. Biostimulant treatment had no significant effects on tuber specific gravity, dry matter percentage and starch content, except at one location where these quality characteristics were higher in the control plants.ConclusionThe flavonoid based complex biostimulant produced significant effects on potato yield and quality in both container experiments and in field trials indicating its potential for contributing to sustainable potato production.

Tuber Development and Tuber Yield Potential of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.), an Alternative Crop for Animal Feed

The winged bean is only one of the members of the leguminous species that has the potential for duo-purpose for its pod and tuber yields. The protein and nutritional content in the tuber can be used as alternative crops for animal feed. Previous studies identified the winged bean varieties as having high potential for tuber production, although their tuber development remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the development of winged bean tubers based on their size and weight during eight months of growth. Tuber yields of high-potential winged bean varieties (W018 and W099) were compared to commercial varieties (Ratchaburi) under field conditions over two years. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 growing seasons. The tuber formation of winged bean exhibited a significant increase in tuber weight and size in the fourth month of growth in all varieties, with a gradual change from fibrous roots to tubers. Particularly in the W018 and W099 varieties, tuber development persisted up to eight months after transplanting. On the other hand, the Ratchaburi variety had small tuber size, resulting in the tubers weighing less than in the W018 and W099 varieties. The results indicated that winged bean varieties had different tuber development, with the W018 and W099 varieties being suitable for tuber harvesting at eight months. The large tuber size can be an appropriate alternative to animal feed materials. At the same time, the Ratchaburi variety requires only five months since it is cultivated primarily for tuber consumption, which is concerned with size and shape. Moreover, the yields of the W018 and W099 varieties were significantly higher compared to Ratchaburi at 22.4, 19.3, and 7.423 T/ha in the 2021–2022 growing season and 8.4, 7.9, and 5.6 T/ha in the growing season of 2022–2023, respectively. The protein content in the winged bean tubers increased to 13.00% at eight months. The years (Y) and genotypes (G) differed considerably for tuber formation. The variation in both Y and G and the shoot/root ratio are also discussed in this study.

Analysis of the volatility of the price of cassava in Cameroon: implications for food security

With a contribution of up to 71% to CEMAC production, Cameroon is one of the major producers of cassava and taro, accounting for more than 83% of root and tuber production. It is the 11th largest producer in the world and the 4th in Africa. Cassava is a vital food source for over 500 million people, ranking as the third-largest source of calories in the tropics after rice and maize. Its importance as a source of income for the majority of poor rural farmers in Cameroon cannot be overstated. However, there has been a persistent increase in the prices of cassava and other food commodities in Cameroon. This study was designed to investigate the determinants of cassava price volatility in Cameroon over the period 1994-2022. The TAR-MTAR method was employed in this study. Our results showed that cassava prices increased significantly by an average of 46% annually, with a volatility level of 30.8% annually and 177.8% over the entire period (1994-2022). This indicates that cassava prices have been rising rapidly and unpredictably, which can have various implications for consumers, farmers, and the economy as a whole. The research demonstrated that cassava price volatility occurred at the beginning, middle, and end of the year due to factors such as climate change, cassava yield, and interest rates. It has been suggested that the government should implement a mapping policy and selling models to ensure a stable supply of cassava.

Effect of Different Planting Dates on Tuber Production in Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) in Low Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

The research, entitled " Effect of different planting dates on tuber production in dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) in low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh" was carried out at RHRTS Dhaulakuan, Ponta Sahib (HP). The study aimed to investigate the impact of different planting dates on tuber production in five dahlia cultivars (Anarkali, Gargi, Giani Zail Singh, Matungini and Suryadev) in low hill. Three planting dates (September 15th, October 15th and November 15th) were chosen for evaluating vegetative parameters. Plant height (109.61 cm) and internodal length (10.34 cm) both were found to be optimal in the cultivar Suryadev. Furthermore, the cultivar Matungini exhibited the highest plant spread (42.72 cm). In terms of tuber production, Anarkali demonstrated superior performance in tuber weight (368.90 g), and tuber yield per plot (2.00 kg). Conversely, Matungini excelled in the number of tubers per plant (4.69), tuber length (13.24 cm) and tuber diameter (30.25 mm), while Giani Zail Singh showcased the best tuber diameter. The planting date of October 15th was identified as highly suitable for optimal tuber production across all parameters under low hill climatic conditions.

Studies on damping-off disease of chilli seedlings caused by Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz.

Damping off disease of chilli seedlings, a serious disease caused by Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz. occurs in field extensively. This pathogen causes severe loss to the production of tuber as the crop destroyed at the time of seedlings. In susceptible plants seedlings losses of 25 to 75% can occur. The cost of the some of the private bred seed is very high and hence this loss assumes ecocomic importance to farmers. The present paper deals with symptoms, pathogenecity, host range etc. studies of damping off disease off chilli seedlings.

Tuber production of Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. from different sizes of seed-tubers in two cultivation cycles

The liana Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. is an unconventional food plant with potential economic exploitation. This study aimed to evaluate the vegetative propagation of T. pentaphyllum using seed-tubers. A total of 140 tubers were classified into four mass classes: I) < 10 g, II) 10 to 30 g, III) 30 to 70 g, and IV) > 70 g. Each mass class contained 35 tubers. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Sertão, southern Brazil, with temperature and relative humidity of 25°C and 50%, respectively. When the senescence of the aerial stem system occurred, the mass of the tubers was measured using a precision scale (0.01 grams). Analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05) were used to analyze the data obtained in the experiment. In addition, descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) were also used. The ratio between the initial and final masses per tuber class was calculated and the production averages between tuber classes were compared. The annual and biennial productions show that the classes of tuber seeds with mass above 10 g (II, III, and IV) produce more tubers. Class II and III are indicated for annual cultivation considering both the production in number and mass. Regarding the production of tubers for sale, class I with biennial planting is indicated since it presents a more significant mass increment.

Substrate combinations in potato planting to increase the production of minitubers

The profitability and initial development of potatoes depend on the type of substrate used in planting. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate combinations of substrates for the production of minitubers of potatoes. An experiment was carried out with the combinations of substrates based on sphagnum peat, coconut fiber, rice husks, and expanded vermiculite [TFCV]; and sphagnum peat and expanded vermiculite [TV], in different proportions (100%; 75%; 50%; 25%), with five replications. The treatments were: (i) TFCV100%; (ii) TFCV75%+TV25%; (iii) TFCV50%+TV50%; (iv) TFCV25%+TV75%; and (v) TV100%. At 40 and 70 days after planting (DAP), the development of shoots, tubers, and roots was monitored. Results showed that the isolated application of TV showed the highest production of fresh mass of tubers (93.0 g), and fresh (0.28 g) and dry mass of roots (0.17 g). At 40 DAP, tuber production was highly correlated with the root part (r: 0.77). However, after 70 DAP, tuber production was associated with shoot development (r: 0.66). If is necessary to mix substrates recommend the mixing of TFCV50% + TV50%. The addition of coconut fiber and rice husk increases the availability of nutrients in the substrate with a positive effect on the aerial development of the plants.

Seed tuber production of potato from stem cuttings, planting densities, and paclobutrazol concentrations

Rapid multiplication of potato seed using cuttings is a pivotal strategy for ensuring seed availability. This study aimed to elucidate the interactive effects of node number, paclobutrazol concentration, and planting density on seed potato and cutting productions. The study consisted of two experiments. The first experiment evaluated two genotypes (Granola and PKHT-6) with one or two nodes per cutting. The second experiment investigated planting density (one, three, or five plants per polybag) and paclobutrazol concentration (0, 15, 30, and 45 mg L-1). Notably, node number did not significantly influence cutting success, despite genotype-specific and interactive effects on vegetative parameters like plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and root length. Planting density had no statistically significant impact on all vegetative parameters but demonstrably affected all production parameters. Conversely, paclobutrazol concentration significantly affected all vegetative parameters and influenced all production parameters except tuber weight per plant. From the results of this research, the use of single cutting is more recommended because it will obtain more plant material compared to two-node cuttings. Thus, in a more global context of potato development, this has the potential to increase the production of potato seeds from cuttings twice as much as the current seed production. The use of three plants/polybags is more recommended since it will produce more tuber but not different with five plants, and the use of paclobutrazol 15 mg L-1 is also recommended to increase the number of tubers. In this way, the production costs of G0 potato seeds can be reduced so that the availability of G0 potato seeds will be more guaranteed and affordable. Keywords: Granola; PKHT-6; rapid multiplication; tuber production

Yield stability among potato varieties suitable for different agroecological regions of Bangladesh

Multilocation trials are usually performed in breeding and variety evaluation programs to identify stable genotype(s) with similar crop performance in various environments. The present study evaluated the stability of six selected potato varieties (BARI Alu-7, BARI Alu-8, BARI Alu-25, BARI Alu-28, BARI Alu-36, and BARI Alu-41) suitable for multiple locations (Barishal, Bogura, Cumilla, Jamalpur, Jashore, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi) in Bangladesh from 2014 to 2019. The study considered genotype and environment as treatments, year as replications and used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with to construct the genotype plus genotype-vs-environment interaction (GGE) model. The joint analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes and environments (GE). The scores of PC1 (principal component 1) and PC2 (principal component 2) cumulatively explained approximately 63 % of the total variation in GE interactions and were used to construct the GGE biplot. BARI Alu-8 and BARI Alu-28 were the best genotypes, with high average yields and high stability across the locations. Jamalpur and Munshiganj was identified as the desired locations among the tested environments for growing all the genotypes. This study will help potato growers select highly stable high-performance varieties for a particular environment to achieve maximum tuber production.