Growth and yield of potato genotypes in the Brazilian Midwest

Abstract

The knowledge of the plant growth pattern under specific climatic conditions (growth curve) is the basis for exploiting the maximum yield potential of potato genotypes. This study aimed to establish the growth curve, as well as to evaluate the agronomic characteristics, yield and specific gravity of tubers of three potato cultivars and one elite clone, thus providing basic information on the productive characteristics of these genotypes in the Brazilian Midwest. A randomized experimental block design, with three replications, was used. The dry mass accumulated by the tubers varied from 6.28 (Agata) to 9.75 t ha-1 [F183-08-01 (F183)]; the total mass of tubers from 35.33 (BRSIPR Bel) to 58.60 t ha-1 (F183); the mass of marketable tubers from 23.46 (Asterix) to 48.24 t ha-1 (F183); and the leaf area index from 2.86 (Agata) to 10.60 (F183). F183 showed a good adaptation to the cultivation conditions of the Federal District, being strongly recommended for this region.

Growth, fresh mass accumulation and distribution in new Brazilian potato cultivars

“…Characters related to the development of plant aboveground parts (leaves and stems), distribution in the plant and the stem number can be used to define the spacing between plants, where larger spacings can be studied for genotypes with higher values for these characters (Pereira et al, 2020).…”

“…Pelotas and Canoinhas, 2022. greater solar radiation interception, and associated with greater plant growth and tuber yield (Jadoski et al, 2012). And, the best spatial distribution of this leaf area, which would provide better photosynthetic efficiency, may depend, for instance, on the stem number per plant (Fernandes et al, 2010) and plant structure, as well (Silva et al, 2020). Pereira et al (2020) evaluated the growth of four potato genotypes in the Midwestern Brazil, including Potira and Asterix, several similarities being found with the present study, such as, a greater stem number per plant for Asterix, 6.00, compared to Potira, 3.00.…”

“…The leaf area index (LAI) was obtained as the ratio between the leaf area and the area occupied by the plants (m 2 /m 2 ). Leaf area was obtained by the leaf disc method, by collecting 20 leaf discs with the aid of a drill with a known area, weighing the leaf discs on a precision scale and multiplying these values by the leaf mass (Leaf mass), according to Silva et al (2020).…”

“…of stems per plant, as well (Pereira et al, 2020). Furthermore, the growth analysis provides information on the dynamics of the vegetative development for each genotype, individually.…”

“…The knowledge on the plant development along time can also help in determining the best spacing between plants, the best stages of development to carry out cultural practices such as hilling, topdressing, the most critical moments for phytosanitary controls and irrigation, in addition to the best moment for the aboveground plant desiccation (Silva et al, 2020).…”