Maximization of Seed Size Tuber Production in Early Bulking Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Variety Kufri Khyati

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR Central Potato Research Station Gwalior, MP, during 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of intra-row spacing, nitrogen levels and date of haulm killing on production of higher proportion of seed size tubers in early bulking variety Kufri Khyati. Treatments consisted of two intra-row spacing (15 cm and 20 cm), two dates of haulm killing (70 and 80 days) and two nitrogen levels (120 and 150 kg ha-1). Treatments were replicated three times with split plot design. Germination percentage was significantly higher in 20 cm spacing (96.76%) over 15 cm spacing (88.12%). Non-significant differences were recorded among different parameters for growth attributes. Significantly highest seed size tuber and total tuber number was recorded in 15cm spacing (405000 ha-1 and 716000 ha-1) over 20 cm spacing (337000 ha-1 and 605000 ha-1) respectively. Non-significant but highest seed size tuber number (432000 ha-1 and 427000 ha-1) was recorded in 15 cm intra-row spacing×80 days haulm killing×150 kg N and 15 cm intra-row spacing×70 days haulm killing×120 kg N respectively. Seed size and total tuber yield (t ha-1) was in significantly higher 15 cm spacing (22.44 t ha-1 and 33.16 t ha-1) over 20 cm spacing (19.81 t ha-1 and 29.84 t ha-1). Significantly higher severe mosaic incidence (0.87%) was observed with 80 days haulm killing over 70 days. Hence 15 cm intra-row spacing×70 days haulm killing×120 kg N was most suitable for getting higher proportion of seed size tubers in Kufri Khyati.

Agro-techniques for Production of Seed Size Tubers in Conventional Seed Potato Production System–A Review

“…When the vertical distance was greater than 10 cm and the lateral distance greater than 20 cm, tubers over 80 g were significantly reduced under Southwest China conditions (Zheng et al, 2016). For getting higher proportion of seed size tubers (25-125 g), 15 cm intra-row spacing×70 days haulm killing×120 kg N was found to be most suitable combination in seed production system of early bulking cultivar Kufri Khyati (Sadawarti et al, 2017). Highest percent of 31% medium size tubers (40-55mm) were recorded in 60×20 cm 2 spacing under Srilankan conditions (Rajadurai, 1994).…”

“…Narrow in-row spacing (15 cm) and moderate N fertility levels (200 kg ha -1 ) shifted the tuber size distribution towards the smaller size ranges (30-45 mm) Waterer, 1997. Medium dose of 100 N: 120 P 2 O 5 : 60 K 2 O kg ha -1 recorded 58% of 20-80 g tuber size with highest net return (Singh, 1999). 15 cm intra-row spacing×70 days haulm killing×120 kg N recorded highest seed size tuber number (432 thousand ha -1 ) and found to be most suitable combinations in seed production system of Kufri Khyati under Gwalior condition of Madhya Pradesh (Sadawarti et al, 2017). Reduction in intra row spacing from 20 to 15 cm, dehaulming at 65 DAP and decrease in nutrient levels from 100% RD of NPK (200;100:150 kg ha -1 ) to 50% RD of NPK, seed grade size (25-50 and 50-75 g) tuber yield and numbers and total tuber numbers were increased significantly in Kufri Himalini under West Bengal conditions of India (Das et al, 2020).…”

“…Percent production of seed size tubers to total tubers (both on weight as well as number basis) was higher at narrow intra row spacing (Singh and Singh, 2016). Sadawarti et al, 2017 reported that significantly higher seed (25-125 g) size (405000 ha -1 ) tuber number with closer intra row spacing of 15 cm over 20 cm intra-row spacing (337000 ha -1 seed size). Medium-sized seed tubers (40-75 g) increased as spacing reduced, closer spacing of 50 cm×25 cm 2 and 60×25 cm 2 produced higher tuber number m -2 over wider spacings of 80×30 cm 2 and 75×30 cm 2 (Binalfew et al, 2015).…”

“…In India, it ranges from 40 to 50% (Beata et al, 2020, Chakraborty et al, 2013, Venkataselam et al, 2011. The situation is further aggravated in high bulking cultivars Kufri Sutlej which has tendency to produce more numbers of over size tubers (Sharma et al, 2001) and Kufri Khyati which produces up to 50% under and over size tubers (Sadawarti et al, 2017 and2021a). Seed cost actually depends on seed size and intra-row spacing (Islam et al, 2012).…”

Effect of Haulm Cutting, Size of Seed Tubers/Seed Pieces and Intra-Row Spacings on Tuber Yield and Economics of Potato Production

“…A good rule is to keep the number of cut surfaces per tuber to a minimum. Factor combinations of days to haulm cut and row spacing along with size of seed tubers/pieces plays important role in grade wise and total yield potential of a variety (Sadawarti et al, 2017). Keeping above points in view, a field experiment was planned to evaluate date of haulm cutting, different size of cut and whole seed tubers and intra row spacing.…”