Effect of nitrogen, plant population, and plant maturity on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seed tuber production

Abstract

The two cultivars used in this study were Red Norland, an early red type, and Kennebec, a late white type. 'Kennebec' This cultivar was developed by the USDA and released in 1948 from a cross of two USDA seedlings, 8127 x 96-95. It has midseason to late maturity. Plants are large, spreading, thick, prominentlyangled stems without pigmentation. Leaves are large and dark green. Flowers are white. Tubers are large, eliptical to oblong, with shallow eyes, smooth white skin, and white flesh. . It is considered a general purpose potato that bakes, boils, and fries satisfactorily and is also desirable for french frying or chipping. This is the second popular cultivar following 'Russet Burbank' and represents about 18% of the total volume of potatoes grown in the United States (Lauer et al ., 1963; Thornton and Sieczka, 1980). 'Red Norland' Red Norland, an early cultivar, was developed in North Dakota and released in 1957 from the cross, Redkote x ND626. It has medium large, spreading vines with thick, prominently angled green stems and medium large, slightly closed, green leaves. The flowers are purple. . Tubers are medium sized, mostly round, medium red color, with smooth skin, relatively shallow eyes, the same color as the skin, and white flesh. It produces a high percentage of U.S. No. 1 tubers and is used as a fresh market cultivar. This cultivar is the predominant early, red cultivar grown in Iowa and represents about 3% of the total volume of potatoes grown in the United States (Lauer et al ., 1963; Thornton and Sieczka, 1980).