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

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

Effects of supplemental irrigation on yield, water use efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency of potato grown in mollic Andosols

Background Low soil fertility and reduced seasonal rainfall contribute to low potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield in Kenya. Nitrogen (N) deficiency is the major problem facing by the smallholder farmers of Kenya due to lack of fallow. Hence an introduction of supplemental irrigation with an adequate application of this nutrient could increase potato yield. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental irrigation and N-fertilisation on potato tuber yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The experiment was conducted in Nakuru County, Kenya for two seasons. The experimental soils are classified as mollic Andosols. The treatments comprised two irrigation treatments of full supplemental irrigation (FI) and rainfed production (RF) and four N levels of four N levels of 0 (N0), 60 (N1), 90 (N2) and 130 kg N/ha (N3). Results The results showed that total tuber yield, marketable tuber yield and NUE were significantly (P < 0.001) affected by irrigation × N-fertilisation while WUE was only affected (P < 0.001) by N-fertilisation. The highest total tuber yield, 58.28 tonnes/hectare (t/ha), was recorded under FI combined with N3. Treatment FI significantly increased marketable tuber yield by approximately 125.58% in all N treatments compared to RF. The highest NUE of potato (236.44 kg/kg of N) was obtained under FI combined with N3 but not significantly different from the NUE of potato obtained under FI with N2. N-fertilisation N3 produced the highest WUE of 14.24 kg/m3. Significant correlation was obtained between tuber yield and number of tubers/plant (r = 0.75, P < 0.001), NUE (r = 0.95, P < 0.001) and WUE (r = 0.72, P < 0.001). Conclusion High potato yield and marketable tuber yield can be achieved in mollic Andosols when water deficits of the growing season are eliminated with supplemental irrigation and an application of 130 kg N/ha.

Identification of Elite Potato Clones with Resistance to Late Blight Through Participatory Varietal Selection in Peru

Potato is the most important crop in Peru and late blight is the main disease affecting the crop. However, new varieties that are resistant to late blight often lack other traits that farmers and consumers prefer. Using participatory varietal selection, this study seeks to identify clones with high potential to become varieties with resistance to late blight but also feature a high marketable tuber yield and other preferred agronomic traits. During 2016–2017, 36 clones previously selected for high levels of resistance to late blight from population B developed by the International Potato Center, and three varieties used as controls (INIA 302 Amarilis moderately resistant, INIA303 Canchan and Yungay susceptible to late blight), were evaluated in five Peruvian locations. At harvest, five clones were selected based on (i) evaluations made by farmers through Participatory Varietal Selection, (ii) analysis of mixed models and Best Linear Unbiased Predictors for tuber yield, (iii) low glycoalkaloid content in tubers, and (iv) good organoleptic quality. These clones were evaluated again during 2017–2018 in four locations. Resistance to late blight and good marketable tuber yields were identified as the most important criteria for the selection of a new potato variety. The clones CIP308488.92, CIP308495.227 and CIP308478.59 were selected as promising clones having resistance to late blight and tuber yield superior to the local varieties, INIA-303 Canchan, Yungay, as well as good organoleptic quality and low glycoalkaloid content. These clones can be suggested for variety release in similar agroecological environments.

Effect of Supplemental Irrigation on Tuber Yield, Water Use Efficiency and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Grown in a Mollic Andosol

BackgroundThe yield of potato (8.86 tonnes/ha), the second staple food and cash crop in Kenya is remained low due to a reduction in seasonal precipitation and low soil fertility. Drought or dry periods between rainfall seasons and increased temperatures, which leads to high crop evapotranspiration, are experienced in 70-80% of the smallholder farms. Among major elements require by potato, nitrogen is the most important influential element but it is deficient in most potato-growing soils in Kenya because of nutrient depletion with inadequate nutrient replenishment results from continuous production. Hence the introduction of supplemental irrigation with an adequate application of this nutrient could increase crop yields. Therefore, this study was conducted in Nakuru, one of the major potato growing areas in Kenya, to determine the effects of full supplemental irrigation (FI) and four nitrogen levels, N0(0), N1(60), N2(90) and N3(130 kg N/ha) on tuber yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of potato grown in a mollic Andosol in Kenya compared to conventionnel rain-fed potato production. Results The results showed that tuber yield, marketable tuber yield and NUE significantly differed due to the interaction effect between irrigation and N-fertilization rate (P<0.001) whereas the WUE was statistically different due to the N-fertilization rate (P<0.001). The highest tuber yield 58.28 tonnes/ha was found in supplemental irrigation with an application of 130kg N/ha treatment. Full supplemental irrigation treatment increased marketable yield by 129.84, 94.63, 151.21 and 126.63% for 0, 60, 90 and 130 kg N/ha, respectively compared to rain-fed N-fertilization treatments. NUE increased statistically with an increase in N rate up to 90 kg N/ha, then tended to increase slightly as nitrogen rate increased further. An increase in potato tuber yield was positively correlated with number of tubers/plant (r=0.75), NUE (r=0.95), WUE (r=0.72) (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe high potato yield and marketable tuber yield in mollic Andosol can be obtained when all water deficits of the growing season are eliminated with supplemental irrigation and an application of 130kg N/ha but it is essential to exploit water regimes for acceptable yield with water-saving.

Effect of Plant Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Potato is a very important food and cash crop in Ethiopia, especially in the high and mid altitude areas. It is important to choose and adjust potato cultivars with appropriate population per unit area to get for better yield and quality. This experiment was conducted with the objective to determine appropriate plant spacing for different potato cultivar at Wolaita Sodo during belg cropping season. The experiment was arranged in a Factorial combination of three plant spacing (60 x 30, 75, x 30 and 90x 30 cm), and four potato cultivars (Belete, Gudene, Chala and Local) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that both the main effect of cultivars and plant spacing significantly (P < 0.05) affected yield and yield components of potato while their interaction is non-significant (P > 0.05) for most of the parameters considered. Days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, leaf area index, total tuber yield (TTY), average tuber weight per plant, marketable tuber yield (MTY),unmarketable tuber numbers, dry matter content and harvest index were significantly affected by main effect of cultivar and plant spacing. Days to 50% emergency and stem number per hill were influenced only by the main effect cultivar. Whereas, marketable tuber numbers and total tuber numbers were significantly affected by the interaction effects of cultivars and plant spacing .Total tuber yield 34.40 t/ha) and marketable tuber yield (29.31 t/ha) of cultivar Gudene were significantly higher than TTY (23.71 t/ha) and MTY (18.43 t/ha) of Local cultivars. Cultivar Gudene produced 45.08%, 17.96% and 6.6 % more TTY over Local, Chala and Belete respectively. However, the result was statistically in par with cultivar Belete. Cultivar Gudene and Belete produced more than one fold MTY over Local cultivar. Regarding spacing, the highest total tuber and marketable tuber yield recorded from 60cm inter row spacing and the lowest from 90cm and 75cm inter row spacing resulted intermediate yield. Therefore, from this study, it can be concluded Gudane and Belete cultivars at a plant spacing of 60 x 30 cm and 75 x 30 cm resulted in highest marketable tuber yield could be recommended to potato growers in the study.

PROMISING EARLY PLANTING AND STRESS-TOLERANT POTATO GENOTYPES FOR NORTHERN BANGLADESH

Potato is the third major food crop in the world. In Northern Bangladesh, potato production outside the regular growing season can contribute to farmers’ profit and prices can be very favorable as consumers’ demand for potatoes is greater than the decreased, off-season supply. However, potato production may be negatively affected by increased pest and disease pressure and higher soil temperature. We hypothesized that some potato varieties would have smaller tuber yield reduction when they are grown outside the normal season. The objective of this experiment was to find out promising genotypes for earlier cultivation prior to mid of November, cultivation in northern regions of Bangladesh. The trials, corresponding to very early, early, normal and late growing seasons were planted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Germination percent, plant height, stems per hill, marketable tuber yield at 65 days, marketable tuber yield at 90 days were recorded. For yield and components of yield contributing characters Clone 13.17, BARI Alu 7(Diamant) and Arizona outperformed in all growing condition and had wider adaptability and stability of tuber yield based on Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI).

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

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

Nitrogen Requirement of Potato for Eastern Indo-Gangatic Plain of India

A field experiment was carried out during 2015-16 and 2016-17 at ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Patna, Bihar, in randomized block design with four replications with objective to quantity the optimum requirement of nitrogen to potato crop. Significantly the highest plant height was recorded with nitrogen level of 300 kg/ha. Distributions of the smallest size of tuber yield of potato were decreasing with increasing the level of nitrogen. There was about 26.0% more yield of the smallest size tuber of potato was recorded with zero nitrogen as compare to the highest level of nitrogen i.e. 300 kg/ha. Increasing the nitrogen over the level of 150 to 225 kg per hectare, increasing the yield of tuber gradually slower rate than nitrogen level from 0 to 150 kg/ha. Total and marketable tuber yield of potato were increasing significantly with increasing level of nitrogen up to 150 kg/ha. There was no significant difference in marketable tuber yield was found for nitrogen level between 150 and 225 kg/ha. Highest (1.66) net benefit cost ratio was also recorded with level of nitrogen @ 150 kg/ha in potato. Hence, application of nitrogen @ 150 kg/ha was found statistically and economically more beneficial for potato cultivation in Eastern Indo-Gangatic plain of India.

Selection of Chilean potato clones for tuber yield, frying quality, plant vigor and vegetative cycle

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield potential, frying quality, plant vigor, and vegetative cycle of Chilean potato clones, aiming to identify those with potential to become new cultivars or to be used in breeding programs. The experiments were conducted in Pelotas-RS and Canoinhas-SC, Brazil, in spring 2017. A set of 37 advanced potato clones belonging to the Agricultural Research Institute of Chile (INIA) was compared to commercial cultivars Agata, Asterix and Atlantic. A randomized complete block design with three replications of two rows with 10 plants each was used. Tuber yield, frying quality, plant vigor and vegetative cycle traits were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, test for grouping means, and the selection differential. In this set of clones there are some presenting superior quality in relation to marketable tuber yield and frying quality, but the vegetative cycle was not shorter nor plant vigor was lower. Clones CH 27 and CH 44 were the best for marketable tuber yield and frying quality at both locations.

Evaluation of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties for Yield and Some Agronomic Traits

A field experiment was conducted in the central highlands of Ethiopia to evaluate the performance of potato varieties for tuber yield and to identify a superior variety in tuber yield and yield components. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at two locations in the central highlands of Ethiopia during the 2017 main cropping season. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the presence of highly significant (P<0.01) differences among varieties over all traits studied. The mean squares for location were also significant in indicating the influence of environments on the traits of the studied varieties. However, the interaction between variety and environment had no significant effect on the performances of the potato varieties to attain 50% flowering, specific gravity and dry matter content indicating a similar performance of these traits across all locations. The variety Belete produced the maximum total tuber yield of 32.8 t ha -1 and marketable tuber yield of 29.1 t ha-1. Conversely, farmers` variety Nech Abeba produced the minimum total tuber yield of 13.8 t ha-1 and marketable tuber yield of 8.4 t ha-1. For most tuber quality traits, viz., tuber specific gravity, dry matter content, starch percentage and total starch yield, varieties Belete and Menagesha were the maximum and minimum producers, respectively. Thus, it could be concluded that varietal and environmental variations as well as their interaction had considerable influence on tuber yield and the potato’s attributes.