Evaluation of different options for enhancing proportion of seed size tubers in early bulking potato (Solanum tuberosum L) variety Kufri Khyati

Abstract

To improve the production of seed size tubers in potato (Solanum tuberosum) a field experiment was conducted at Central Potato Research Station Gwalior, MP, during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to study the effect of intra-row spacing, nitrogen levels and date of haulm cutting on production of higher proportion of seed tubers. Highest seed size tuber yield (9.5 t/ha) was recorded with closer intra - row spacing of 15 cm which was significantly higher over 20 cm intra - row spacing. Highest seed size tuber yield (10.1 t/ha) was recorded with the treatment having 15 cm intra - row spacing x 120 kg N x 80 days haulm cut. Higher dose of nitrogen application increased N (136 kg/ha) and P (6.3 kg/ha) uptake however closer intra - row spacing increased K uptake (105 kg/ha). Highest N content (176 kg/ha) of soil was recorded with 20 cm intra - row spacing x 120 kg N and 70 days haulm cut. OC content (0.33%) was highest with 80 days haulm cut. Significantly higher severe mosaic incidence (1.49%) was observed with closure intra row spacing of 15 cm. Significantly higher severe (1.49%) and mild mosaic (1.71%) incidence were observed with 80 days haulm cut over 70 days. However, in contrast highest net return (251 thousand/ha) was recorded with 20 cm intra - row spacing x 80 days haulm cut x 120 kg N/ha. Similarly in contrast, highest B:C ratio 3.0 was observed with 20 cm intra - row spacing 80 days haulm cut x 120 kg N/ha.