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

Abstract

The field experiments were conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons (October – February) during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India located in west central plains of India. Highest emergence of potato plants was recorded with the planting of 40 g whole tubers. Growth attributes viz. plant height (58.6 cm) and number of compound leaves (56.7) were recorded highest with 40 g seed piece/whole tuber. Planting of 120 g seed tubers, 10 cm intra row spacing and 114 days haulm cut recorded highest number of small tubers i.e. 3,43,000 ha-1, 3,07,000 ha-1 and 3,26,000 ha-1, respectively. Highest total number of tubers was recorded at 114 DAP haulm cut (9,08,000 ha-1), planting of 120 g seed tubers (9,62,000 ha-1) and 10 cm intra row spacing (8,53,000 ha-1). Highest total tuber yield was recorded with 114 DAP haulm cut (59.1 t ha-1), 120 g planted seed tubers (55.5 t ha-1) and 20 cm intra row spacing (49.7 t ha-1). Highest cost of cultivation was recorded with the use of 120 g seed (Rs. 386483 ha-1) and intra row spacing of 10 cm ` 264261 ha-1. Highest net return (Rs. 364084 ha-1) was recorded with 114 DAP haulm cut, planting with 40g seed size tubers (` 329822 ha-1) and intra row spacing of 20 cm (Rs. 322499 ha-1). Highest benefit-cost ratio was recorded with 114 DAP haulm cut (2.6) planting with 20 g seed size tubers (3.3) and intra row spacing of 20 cm (2.8).

Effect of hand weeding and chemical treatments on weed flora in Potato crop

“…By the way, several studies (eg. Thakral et al, 1989;Manorama, 2004; Singh et al, 2018) [28,18,26] confirmed that the most critical period for weed removal in potatoes is about 4 to 6 weeks after planting. [3,14] reported that potato growers usually apply herbicide early postemergence.…”

“…This density variation in the different studied plots was probably due to differences in applied agrotechnical practices. In fact, the occurrence and intensity of weeds vary under various agroclimatic regions, cropping systems and management conditions (Singh et al, 2018) [26] . High weed density was confirmed by the species biomass variation (Fig 2).…”

“…In fact, it's recognized that Metribuzin is a standard component of preemergence and postemergece weed management programs in potato because it is effective on many broadleaf weeds and grasses (Karen and Gary, 1998) [15] . However, Metribuzine does not provide season-long control and resistance to triazine herbicides has developed in 69 species worldwide, limiting activity and requiring a combination of control practices for these weeds (Singh et al, 2018) [26] . On the other hand, results showed that hand weeding practiced twice: the first at the planting and the second 3 WAP was more efficient to decreases weed density than that practiced only one time 6 WAP.…”

Elements Affecting Seed Potato Quality In India- A Review

“…Size of seed tuber is an important factor to decide the seed per unit area because it affects total yield and graded or marketable tuber yields Kushwah, 2010 andDagne et al, 2019). The approximate intra-row spacing for <25, 25-60, 60-100 and >100 g seed size tubers is 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm with inter-row spacing of 60 cm, respectively is suggested under SPT (Sharma et al, 2021).…”

“…If larger seed is used, a greater quantity of seed is required for planting per unit area. It is avoided because it increases seed costs and reduce planter's accuracy (Singh and Kushwah, 2010). Conversely, smaller seed size tubers have less sprouts per unit due to the lesser amount of reserves available for sprout growth leading to small number of stems that produce only a few tubers, thereby reducing yield (Dagne, 2015).…”