Does planting time affect the nutritional demand and yield of potato cultivars?

Abstract

Determining the level of absorption of nutrients in the potato crop at different stages of development is important because it allows identification of the time when the elements are most required by plants. The objective of this research was to evaluate the level of nutrient absorption in cultivars after different planting times. Field experiment was conducted in Guarapuava-PR. Treatments consisted of three cultivars (Agata, BRS Clara, and BRS F63 Camila) and two planting times (October and February), in randomized blocks, with three replications in the crop season 2015/16. The total macro and micronutrient content (leaves, stems, and tubers) was quantified at 15 and 45 days after plant emergence. The total dry weight of plants was verified at 45 days after emergence. At harvest, dry weight of tubers, and total and commercial yield was recorded. It was observed that BRS F63 Camila produced a higher total dry weight of plants at 45 days after emergence, and higher dry weight of tubers at harvest because of the higher accumulation of Fe, Mn, and Zn following the October planting. The BRS Clara produced higher total dry weight and higher dry weight of tubers following February planting with higher Ca and S accumulation. Depending on the developmental period and planting time, cultivars differed in nutrient accumulation and tuber dry weight production. Greater nutritional demand and higher yield occurred following the October planting.