Tuber Yield Research Articles

Morphological and agronomic features of potato cv. Gardena highly resistant to Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary depending on the nitrogen dose

In a 2-year field study, the impact of mineral nitrogen fertilization on the productivity of a new potato cultivar, promising due to the highest resistance to potato late blight among the registered ones, was compared to the proven, widely cultivated Denar cultivar. The study determined morphological features (size and weight of organs), physiological indicators (cover of soil by leaves – LAI. leaf greenness – SPAD) of potato plants during the growing season, yield and quality characteristics of tubers and optimal level of nitrogen fertilization. Tuber quality was assessed based on the share of tuber size and external defects in the yield structure. Optimal mineral nitrogen fertilization was determined based on the relationship between the increase in tuber yield and the increasing dose of this ingredient. The research took into account two factors: nitrogen dose (0, 50 kg‧ha–1, 100 kg‧ha–1, 150 kg‧ha–1) and cultivar (Gardena and Denar). The increase in the dose of mineral nitrogen fertilization to 150 kg‧ha–1 resulted in a significant increase in plant height, the weight of the root system, stems, leaves and the share of large tubers in the yield. It was shown that the Gardena cultivar was characterized by greater requirements for mineral nitrogen fertilization, low effectiveness of its use, a higher share of large tubers (diameter above 60 mm) and lower tuber yield than the Denar cultivar. In a year characterized by excess rainfall, plants produced a greater mass of the root system and the mass of the above-ground part, and in a year with an amount of rainfall close to optimal the final yield of tubers and the share of large tubers in the yield were higher.

Effect of intra-row spacing, gibberellic acid concentration and N:P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>:K<sub>2</sub>O ratio on growth and yield of potato variety Royal

The potato variety Royal is suitable to make French fries due to its frying qualities. However, the tubers lack the long-oval shape which is preferred in processing of French fries. Despite the lower nitrogen (N) requirement of variety Royal, farmers apply same recommendation ignoring the varietyspecific needs. Thus, two experiments were conducted to (a) evaluate the possibility of changing tuber shape by manipulating intra-row spacing and gibberellic acid (GA3) application and to (b) identify the best N:P2O5:K2O ratio to optimize growth and yield. The first experiment was conducted with 45 cm inter-row spacing, as a two-factor factorial RCBD. Factors one and two were intra-row spacing (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 cm) and foliar-applied GA3 concentration (0, 150, 200, and 250 ppm), respectively. In the second experiment, recommended N:P2O5:K2O ratio, 8.0:3.5:8.5, (Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka) with organic manure (control) and the same without organic manure were compared with three other N:P2O5:K2O ratios. Each treatment had 4 replicates, with 12 plants per replicate in both experiments. Data were analysed with Two-Way ANOVA in the first experiment and One-Way ANOVA in the second, using Minitab 17. Tukey’s mean comparison test was used to compare the mean values of both experiments. Intra-row spacing and GA3 interaction did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the tuber yield and shape. By increasing IRS, yield per plant increased, but yield per unit land area (YPL) decreased. The effect of GA3 on tuber yield was not significant (P>0.05). GA3 at 200 ppm recorded the highest number of long-oval tubers (62% increment). N:P2O5:K2O ratio had no significant (P>0.05) effect on growth, yield, and quality. Therefore, a fertilizer ratio with low nutrient input will be more sustainable and cost-effective for potato variety Royal with lower nutrient needs. Closer intrarow spacing (15 cm) with 200 ppm GA3 can be recommended for higher YPL with higher number of long-oval tubers.

Effect of the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Strain Bacillus Mojavensis I4 on Potato Growth, Physiology, Tuber Yield, and Quality Under Salt Stress Conditions

Effect of the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Strain Bacillus Mojavensis I4 on Potato Growth, Physiology, Tuber Yield, and Quality Under Salt Stress Conditions

Cytokinin-mediated enhancement of potato growth and yield by Verticillium Dahliae effector VDAL under low temperature stress

The pathogen Verticillium dahliae secreted effector V. dahliae Aspf2-like protein (VDAL) has been found to cause leaf wilting in cotton, but the ectopic expression of VDAL-encoding gene enhances the resistance to V. dahliae in cotton and Arabidopsis. The application of the VDAL protein powder with optimal dosage promotes the growth and yield in multiple crop species, such as rice and wheat. However, the promotive effects of VDAL on these aspects are sporadically reported in asexually propagated species, including potato, while the molecular regulatory network involved in the process remains unclear. In this study, we observed that VDAL promotes sprouting of the potato pre-basic seed (PBS) tubers and enhances the development of both above-ground and below-ground tissues. Strikingly, VDAL increases the tuber yield in both greenhouse and field trials by up to 18.97%. The time-course transcriptomic analysis and the endogenous phytohormone detection revealed that cytokinin may play an important role in response to VDAL-promoted growth. Interestingly, VDAL-treated PBS tubers show higher resistance to cold temperature (late-spring cold), a phenomenon that is diminished when the lovastatin, a cytokinin inhibitor is applied, indicating that the VDAL-promoted potato growth, particularly under low temperature, is associated with cytokinin.

Influence of INM on Yield, Quality of Potato and Soil Status

An experiment was carried out to study the Influence of INM on yield, quality of potato and soil status at Horticulture Research Farm, College of Horticulture, AAU, Anand during the three consecutive years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments viz., T1: 100 % RDF (220:110:220), T2: 20 t FYM + 100 % RDF (220:110:220), T3: 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through FYM, T4: 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through VC, T5: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through FYM, T6: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through VC, T7: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through FYM + 1 L Bio NPK consortium/ha, T8: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through VC + 1 L Bio NPK consortium/ha, T9: 25 % RDF + 50 % RDN through FYM + 1 L Bio NPK consortium/ha + KMB 1 L/ha, T10: 25 % RDF + 50 % RDN through VC + 1 L Bio NPK consortium + KMB 1 L/ha. The treatment T2 [20 t FYM + 100 % RDF (220:110:220] recorded maximum tuber weight per plant (487.13 g), tuber yield (434.8 q/ha) and grade “A” tuber (378.9 q/ha) in pooled analysis. Treatments T7 to T10 received inoculation of Bio NPK consortium showed higher microbial population. Whereas, grade “B” tuber, TSS and soil status after harvest were found non-significant in pooled data.

The Effect of Alternative Tillage Practices on Potato Growth and Yield

An experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Research Farm, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station RS, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment consisted of 7 treatments viz.; Farmer’s practice (T1), CIP Technique (T2), Regional AICRIP/INSTITUTE recommendation/hoeing (T3), Flat-bed planting (T4), Flat-bed planting & mulching (T5), Flat-bed planting & ridging (T6) and Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) with 3 replications. The soil of experimental field was a sandy clay loam with uniform topography. The result showed that CIP Technique (T2) at par with Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) were registered superior values of growth parameters viz.; plant height, number of compound leaves per plant and dry weight of haulm per plant (45.67 & 45.43 cm, 49.38 & 49.10 and 24.73 & 24.00 g; respectively), yield attributes viz.; number of tubers per plant and dry weight of tubers per plant (8.72 & 8.65 and 54.97 & 54.50 g; respectively) as well as tuber yield (299.23 & 282.44 qha-1) of potato over rest of the treatments.

Processing Tomato and Potato Response to Biostimulant Application in Open Field: An Overview

Biostimulants include a wide array of microorganisms and substances that can exert beneficial effects on plant development and growth, often enhancing nutrient uptake and improving tolerance against abiotic and biotic stress. Depending on their composition and time of application, these products can influence plant physiology directly as growth regulators or indirectly through environmental condition changes in the rhizosphere, such as nutrient and water availability. This review evaluated 48 case studies from 39 papers to summarize the effects of biostimulant application on fruit and tuber yields and on the quality of processing tomato and potato in open field conditions. For potato, PGPR bacteria were the main studied biostimulant, whereas the low number of studies on processing tomato did not permit us to delineate a trend. The yield and quality were greatly influenced by cultivars and biostimulant composition, application method, period, and dose. For processing tomato, a positive effect of the biostimulant application on the marketable yield was reported in 79% of the case studies, whereas for potato, the effect was reported in only 47%. Few studies, on processing tomato and potato, also reported data for quality parameters with contrasting results. The variability of crop response to biostimulant application in open field conditions highlights the need for more comprehensive studies. Such studies should focus on diverse cultivars, deeply understand the interaction of biostimulant application with agronomic management (e.g., irrigation and fertilization), and evaluate yield and quality parameters. This approach is crucial to fully understand the potential and limitations of biostimulant applications in agriculture, particularly regarding their role in sustainable crop production.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Potassium on Yield and Quality of Potato

The research experiment was carried out at Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai during 2021-22 to find out the effect of different levels of nitrogen and potassium on the growth and yield of potatoes. Findings of research showed that among the individual nitrogen and potassium levels, N5 and K4 performed better in respect of, the number of tubers per plant (7.85 and 6.80), average tuber weight (62.28 g and 67.27 g), tuber weight per plant (656.71 g and 473.45 g), tuber yield (270.95 q/ha and 216.73 q/ha), the diameter of tuber (5.21 cm and 3.98 cm), vitamin C content in tuber (14.15 mg/100gm and 11.89 mg/100gm), fresh weight (63.68 and 109.79), dry weight (12.89 and 22.12), moisture content of fresh tuber (76.09 and 91.07). In the case of interaction effect of N×K, the treatment of N5×K4 pronounced significantly to the number of tubers per plant (11.44), single tuber weight (110.19 g), plant tuber weight (962.00 g), tuber yield (360 q/ha), diameter of tuber (8.10 cm), vitamin C content in tuber (18.50 mg/100 g), fresh weight (109.79 g), dry weight (22.12 g), moisture content of fresh tuber (91.07 g). Potato var. Kufri Lima yielded the maximum (360.76 q/ha) in the interaction of N5×K4 when applied with 160 kg/ha nitrogen and 120 kg/ha potassium.

Evaluation and character association study for tuber yield, biochemical and antioxidant properties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

A study was carried out during 2022 and 2023 at ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to evaluate the yield, biochemical and antioxidant properties of 49 accessions of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] in mid hill condition of north-eastern region. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Results indicate that Mynthlu Orange exhibited the highest tuber weight, length, diameter and yield. In terms of biochemical parameters, Meghalaya Local recorded the highest dry matter content; Col-6 recorded the highest starch content; and X-24 had the highest total sugar content. Among antioxidants, X-24 showed the highest total phenolic content, highest FRAP assay value and anthocyanin with lowest IC50 value which signified that X-24 had the highest antioxidant activity. Correlation study revealed significant positive correlation of tuber yield with tuber weight, diameter and total anthocyanin. Based on the mean performance, accessions Mynthlu Orange, X-24 and Col-6 were found promising for yield, biochemical and antioxidant parameters.

Meeting the Demand for Different Nitrogen Forms in Potato Plants Without the Use of Nitrification Inhibitors.

The preference of potato plants for specific nitrogen (N) form changes with growth stage. Potato plants prefer nitrate N before tuber formation, while they favor ammonium N after tuber formation. However, few studies have focused on N species management in potato production. In this study, 2-year field experiments were conducted from 2020 to 2021 in Inner Mongolia, China, under drip irrigation with four N treatments: (1) CK (no N was used), (2) conventional farming practices (F) (urea was the only N source applied for potato growth), (3) nitrate N supplied before tuber formation and ammonium N with nitrification inhibitor supplied after tuber formation (N-NI), and (4) nitrate N supplied before tuber formation and frequent, low-dose ammonium N applied after tuber formation (Opt). The results demonstrated that, compared with the F, the Opt treatment facilitated potato N uptake, with a 33-40% increase in plant N accumulation, and significantly increased potato growth, which ultimately resulted in a yield increase of 12-20% and an increase of 11-22 percentage units in NUE. In addition, the Opt treatment reduced the soil N residual by ~14% after harvest. Compared with the N-NI, the Opt treatment did not result in a decrease in tuber yield or NUE. Therefore, supplying nitrate N before tuber formation and frequent, low-dose ammonium N after tuber formation can result in a better match between the supply and demand of potato plants for N forms without the use of nitrification inhibitors, improving both potato yield and NUE, which is of substantial agronomic and environmental value.

Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Biofertilizers on Soil Characteristics and Potato Tuber Yield (Solanum tuberosum L.)

This study evaluates the impact of organic, inorganic, and biofertilizers on soil characteristics and potato tuber yield in the variety Kufri Ashoka. The experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, using treatments involving different combinations of fertilizers, including recommended doses of inorganic nutrients (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, Azotobacter, and Phosphobacteria. Key findings demonstrated that RDF treatment (150:100:120 kg N:P2O5 ha⁻¹) produced the highest tuber yield (249.2 q ha⁻¹), significantly outperforming all other treatments. However, the organic treatment T4, which included compost, crop residue, biofertilizers, and FYM, also yielded a substantial 237.1 q ha⁻¹, with improvements in soil health attributes like increased organic carbon (3.6 g kg⁻¹) and reduced pH (7.92) and electrical conductivity (0.22 dSm⁻¹). Results indicated that the integration of organic and biofertilizers led to moderate yield gains compared to RDF but significantly enhanced soil properties, contributing to long-term soil health. Organic treatments promoted improved microbial activity and soil structure, essential for sustainable agriculture. This study highlights the effectiveness of integrated nutrient management, where combining organic and biofertilizers with inorganic nutrients can enhance crop yields while maintaining soil fertility and reducing the negative environmental impact associated with exclusive inorganic fertilizer use.

USE OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS TO OBTAIN MINI TUBERS OF Dioscorea remotiflora Kunth IN MICROPROPAGATED PLANTS

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Camote de cerro (<em>Dioscorea remotiflora</em> Kunth) stands out as a crop option in protected agriculture in Mexico due to its agronomic benefits and its versatility in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Despite its potential, it is not commercially cultivated in the country motivating the need to develop an efficient propagation method from vegetative planting material. Previous research suggests that the use of growth retardants stimulates root growth and carbohydrates accumulation in tubers, while applying gibberellic acid (GA<sub>3</sub>) is strongly related with greater tuber production. <strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effect of different growth regulators to obtain <em>D. remotiflora</em> mini tubers.<strong> Methodology: </strong>Two experiments to obtain mini tubers were carried out. The first one evaluated mediums of culture <em>in vitro</em>: MS and MS + 0.5 mg L<sup>-1</sup> paclobutrazol (PBZ). In the second, effects of foliar application of GA<sub>3</sub>, PBZ and trinexapac ethyl (TNE) were evaluated. Both experiments were carried out in two accesions of <em>D. remotiflora</em> plants propagated <em>in vitro</em> and adapted to greenhouse conditions. <strong>Results:</strong> An increase in mini tubers yield and in their weight was observed when seedlings were propagated in MS + 0.5 mg L<sup>-1</sup> PBZ and GA<sub>3</sub> was applied to foliage. <strong>Implications:</strong> The use of growth retardants showed efficiency in developing mini tubers; nevertheless, more research focusing on concentrations and combinations of these substances is needed to improve the protocol to obtain planting material. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The observed effect of growth retardants and gibberellic acid application in <em>Dioscorea remotiflora</em> plants suggests a favorable influence in the development of mini tubers. In the long term, this phenomenon could contribute significantly to promoting viability of its commercial cultivation and rehabilitation of previously exploited areas.</p>

Effects of Combined Farm Yard Manure and Chemical Fertilizer Application on Plant Growth, Tuber Yield, and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Effects of Combined Farm Yard Manure and Chemical Fertilizer Application on Plant Growth, Tuber Yield, and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Evaluation of Red & Purple Skinned Advance Clones Suitable for Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

An experiment was conducted at ICAR Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Patna, Bihar during the year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to evaluate 04 red skinned and 02 purple skinned Potato advance clones with 05 controls as popular potato varieties in confirmatory yield trials. The performance of advance clones was evaluated with respect to their yield and yield attributing traits, dry matter, nutritional status of the tubers. The experiment was planted in Randomized Block design with 03 replications, plant to plant distance was 20 cm and row to row distance 60 cm. The experiment was planted in two sets i.e. 75 days & 90 days duration crop. The potato clones PS/16-02 & PS/16-17 were selected on the basis of their remarkable high marketable tuber yield (26.29 and 22.45 t/ha in 75 days duration and 30.16 t/ha & 25.81 t/ha at 90 days duration crop respectively). The nutritional status of the tubers were high, tuber shape ovoid to round, colour purple (PS/16-02) & red (PS/16-17), shallow eyes and good organoleptic qualities after boiling and frying. The dry matter content of these selected advance clones were 20.17 & 20.42 respectively. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the performance of advance clones for the above-mentioned traits and to select suitable advance clones for introduction in All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato.

Combination of Silicate-Based Soil Conditioners with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms to Improve Drought Stress Resilience in Potato.

Due to shallow root systems, potato is a particularly drought-sensitive crop. To counteract these limitations, the application of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) is discussed as a strategy to improve nutrient acquisition and biotic and abiotic stress resilience. However, initial root colonization by PGPMs, in particular, can be affected by stress factors that negatively impact root growth and activity or the survival of PGPMs in the rhizosphere. In this study, perspectives for the use of commercial silicate-based soil conditioners (SCs) supposed to improve soil water retention were investigated. The SC products were based on combinations with lignocellulose polysaccharides (Sanoplant® = SP) or polyacrylate (Geohumus® = GH). It was hypothesized that SC applications would support beneficial plant-inoculant interactions (arbuscular mycorrhiza, AM: Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL41833, and Pseudomonas brassicacearum 3Re2-7) on a silty loam soil-sand mixture under water-deficit conditions (6-12 weeks at 15-20% substrate water-holding capacity, WHC). Although no significant SC effects on WHC and total plant biomass were detectable, the SC-inoculant combinations increased the proportion of leaf biomass not affected by drought stress symptoms (chlorosis, necrosis) by 66% (SP) and 91% (GH). Accordingly, osmotic adjustment (proline, glycine betaine accumulation) and ROS detoxification (ascorbate peroxidase, total antioxidants) were increased. This was associated with elevated levels of phytohormones involved in stress adaptations (abscisic, jasmonic, salicylic acids, IAA) and reduced ROS (H2O2) accumulation in the leaf tissue. In contrast to GH, the SP treatments additionally stimulated AM root colonization. Finally, the SP-inoculant combination significantly increased tuber biomass (82%) under well-watered conditions, and a similar trend was observed under drought stress, reaching 81% of the well-watered control. The P status was sufficient for all treatments, and no treatment differences were observed for stress-protective nutrients, such as Zn, Mn, or Si. By contrast, GH treatments had negative effects on tuber biomass, associated with excess accumulation of Mn and Fe in the leaf tissue close to toxicity levels. The findings suggest that inoculation with the PGPMs in combination with SC products (SP) can promote physiological stress adaptations and AM colonization to improve potato tuber yield, independent of effects on soil water retention. However, this does not apply to SC products in general.

Using Nanomaterials and Arbuscular mycorrhizas to Alleviate Saline–Alkali Stress in Cyperus esculentus (L.)

Saline–alkali (SA) stress is an abiotic stress that exists widely in the natural environment, seriously affecting the growth and development of crops. Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.), a perennial herb of Cyperus in Cyperaceae, is considered a pioneer crop for growing and improving SA land due to its excellent adaptability and SA tolerance. This study is the first to evaluate the SA tolerance of tiger nut and the alleviative effects of nanomaterials (nano-selenium and multi-walled carbon nanotubes) and arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMs) on SA stress. The results showed that the seedling fresh weight of tiger nut was the most suitable parameter to describe the dose–response effect of plant growth with increased SA concentration. Based on the log-logistic dose–response curve, the GR50 values of NaCl and NaHCO3 (the concentrations causing a 50% reduction in seedling fresh weight) were determined to be 163 mmol L−1 and 63 mmol L−1, respectively. Under these stresses, the exogenous application of MWCNTs at 100 mg L−1 or Nano-Se at 10 mg L−1 showed that the effect of SA on tiger nut was alleviated. Field evaluation further showed that the exogenous application of MWCNTs, Nano-Se, or AMs could effectively alleviate SA stress on tiger nut. Compared to the untreated control, the application of these substances significantly improved the plant photosynthesis-related parameter, antioxidant enzyme activity, plant height (height: 66.0–69.9 cm), tuber yield (yield: 23.4–27.4 g plant−1), and oil quality of tiger nut under SA stress. The results of this study indicate that the application of MWCNTs, Nano-Se, or AMs, to tiger nut can alleviate SA stress and maintain seed yield, providing the possibility of using these nanoparticles to improve the SA tolerance of tiger nut in agricultural practice.

Mulching Improves the Soil Hydrothermal Environment, Soil Aggregate Content, and Potato Yield in Dry Farmland

Mulching could effectively improve the soil hydrothermal environment, improve changes in the soil structure, increase entropy, and conserve soil moisture to solve the problem of grain reduction caused by perennial drought in Northwest China. Thus, a two-growing-season field experiment (2020–2021) with five treatments (PM1, biodegradable plastic film mulching; PM2, plastic film mulching; SM1, straw strip mulching; SM2, crushed corn straw full mulching; and CK, no mulching as the control) was conducted to investigate the effects of different mulching materials on the soil hydrothermal environment, soil aggregate distribution, stability, and tuber yield of rainfed potato farmland in Northwest China. Over two growing seasons, mulching planting, on average, increased (p < 0.05) the soil moisture at the 0–200 cm depth by 9.0% relative to CK (SM2 (11.6%) > SM1 (10.3%) > PM2 (8.6%) > PM1 (7.0%)). The mulching treatments significantly regulated the soil temperature during the whole growth period, in which plastic mulching significantly increased the soil temperature of the 0–25 cm soil depth during the whole growth period by 2.1 °C (PM2 (2.1 °C) > PM1 (2.0 °C)); meanwhile, straw mulching significantly reduced the soil temperature by 1.4 °C (SM2 (0.9 °C) > SM1 (0.6 °C)). All mulching treatments improved the soil macroaggregate content and soil aggregate stability in all soil depths from 0 to 40 cm, with increases of 31.4% and 27.1% in the mean weight diameter (MWD) and 22.6% and 21.2% in the geometric mean diameter (GWD) compared with CK, respectively. Straw and plastic mulching significantly increased the fresh tuber yield by 12.5% and 12.6% compared with CK, respectively. The increases were greatest in SM2 and PM2. Crushed corn straw full mulching is difficult to sow and harvest; therefore, straw strip mulching could improve the soil hydrothermal environment, increase production, and provide an environmentally friendly technology for dryland potato production.

Nitrous oxide emissions and yields from potato production systems as influenced by nitrogen fertilization and irrigation: A meta‐analysis

AbstractPotato (Solanum tuberosom) is a globally significant crop in relation to the scale of its consumption, being the third most consumed worldwide. The overall sustainability of global agriculture is increasingly of concern, specifically in relation to increasing anthropogenic emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from nitrogen fertilizer additions to croplands and its contribution to climate change. Against this backdrop, a meta‐analysis of 119 experimental comparisons from 18 studies—spanning 19 study sites in 10 countries—was employed to investigate the impact of irrigation, cumulative water input, N fertilizer application rate, soil pH, and soil texture on cumulative N2O fluxes and tuber yield in potato production. Compared to non‐fertilized controls, N2O emissions from fertilized potato production decreased by 34% when irrigation provided 61%–90% of total water input (corresponding to averages of 321–473 mm). Likewise, N2O emissions increased by 53% with 200–475 mm seasonal water input and by 37% with N fertilization rates of 101–200 kg N fertilizer ha−1. Furthermore, soil pH between 7.1 and 7.5 reduced emissions by 6%, while medium‐textured soils showed an increase of 2%. Conversely, tuber yields from fertilized potato production were comparatively maximized under 31%–60% of water input as irrigation (7%) and 751–1025 mm cumulative seasonal water input (28%). Alongside 201–300 kg N fertilizer ha−1 (97%), soil pH of 7.1–7.5 (48%), and in coarse‐textured soils (49%). Overall, these findings underscore the importance of considering irrigation and N fertilization options specifically in optimizing potato production for reduced N2O emissions and enhanced tuber yield.

Optimization of Potato Cultivation Through the Use of Biostimulator Supporter

Seed potato treatment is vital for plant protection, yield enhancement, and product quality. In the conducted research, the plant biostimulator Supporter was applied to evaluate its impact on potato yields and its structure. Supporter contains both synthetic and SL amino acids, which promote plant growth by enhancing nutrient utilization and fostering the development of a more effective root system. Such a formulation allows to maintain better resistance to environmental stresses, which may include drought or nutrient deficiency, among others. The field study was conducted in 2015–2017 in four towns located in different regions of Poland (Barankowo, Głubczyce, Kędrzyno, and Ryn) using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot design. Varieties (‘Innovator’, ‘Lilly’, ‘Lady Claire’, and ‘Verdi’) were tested. The experiment compared the cultivation technology using Supporter biostimulator with which seed potatoes were treated compared to conventional cultivation (control object) by soaking the tubers in distilled water before planting. The total yield of potato tubers after Supporter application was higher by 13.3%, while the commercial yield increased by 21.1% compared to the traditional cultivation method. The most productive, regardless of cultivation technology and years of research, in terms of total tuber yield was the ‘Lilly’ variety with an average yield of 47.95 t∙ha−1, while the least productive variety was the ‘Innovator’ variety with an average yield of 29.93 t∙ha−1. The ‘Lady Claire’ variety had the highest commercial tuber yield, while the ‘Innovator’ variety had the lowest.

Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on growth and yield in Potato at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fifth most important crops in the world in terms of production with an estimate of 375 million metric tons. In Nepal, potato ranks second in terms of production and sixth in terms of area coverage. Potato production is affected by weed infestation. Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water and other resources, which eventually reduce the crop yield. The critical period of crop-weed competition for potato is 25-40 days from planting depending on the climatic-zone and planting seasons. The most common method of weed control in Nepal is manual method, while herbicides are uses in less areas. Weeds are considered as the major problem in conventional and organic farming, due to lower yields by weeds and higher costs of labor for weed control. Mulching is one of the best and safest practice for effective weed management in potato due to which micro-climate manipulation is developed. Metribuzin is widely used herbicides in potato that controls a range of broadleaf weed species and suppresses many grassy weeds. To study the performance of different weed management practices in potato ten treatments were set up viz., three herbicides (pendimethalin@ 1.0 kg a.i ha-1, metribuzin@ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 and atrazine @ 0.25 kg a.i ha-1) constituting seven treatments, one mulching with rice straw, one treatment with two manual hoeing, and another treatment with no any weed management practices as control.The treatments were laid out in RCB design with 4 replications. The potato variety Janak Dev was planted on 12th Feb 2021 and 23rd Jan 2022 with tuber rate of 4.1 t.ha-1 with row spacing of 60 cm and plant to plant 20 cm in a plot size of 4 x 3 meter in flat bed. Growth parameters such as plant height, plant fresh and dry biomass were recorded. Data on weed density, weed dry biomass, and tuber yield were taken.The economics of the different treatments were calculated. Among the treatments metribuzin@ 0.25 kg a.i ha-1 as pre-emergence proved effective in controlling weeds showing highest weed control efficiency (200.7 %) and tuber yield (32.79 t ha-1) . However, the treatment rice straw mulch @ 6 t ha-1 produced the highest tuber yield (38.31 t ha-1), 73.4 % increased yield over control, weed control efficiency(147.1%), economic benefit (NRS 13,40,850), benefit cost ratio (4.93).The treatment rice straw mulch @ 6 t ha-1 showed superiority among the different weeds management practices.