Genotype by Environment Effects on Potato Mini-Tuber Seed Production in an Aeroponics System

Abstract

Abstract:In order to evaluate the environmental effect on plant development and mini-tuber production of a diverse group of potato genotypes grown under an aeroponic system, a G × E interaction experiment was carried out in greenhouses located at CIP's experimental stations in La Molina (Lima) and Huancayo (Junín). Five contrasting environments were set-up and evaluated. A combined Analysis of Variance was performed for the variables "days to tuber set", "days to senescence" and "plant height". An Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) Analysis was performed for yield variables: mini-tuber "weight" and "number of mini-tubers" per plant. There was a high variation in all the responses to the treatments. "Days to tuber set" was influenced by genetic responses, temperature and greenhouse Photosynthetically Active Radiation intensity. Considerable increases in the length of the vegetative cycle and plant height were recorded for all genotypes, and these were particularly notable in the warmer coastal environments. AMMI analysis showed that yield variables were primarily influenced by the genotypic effect followed by the genotype by environment interaction effect. The Venturana variety (T2) was the best performing genotype with a total average mini-tuber "weight" of 644 g per plant while the Chucmarina variety (T1) performed best for the OPEN ACCESSAgronomy 2014, 4 515 variable "number of mini-tubers" with an overall average of 60.2 mini-tubers per plant. Both showed stability across different environments for these variables. The advanced clones T3 (395434.1), T5 (397077.16) and T6 (397073.16) showed stability for yield variables, but their performance was below the overall average of the trial. It is recommended that the environment and management should ideally be tailored to the genotype as this will result in significant yield gains.

Performance of five potato varieties with regards to growth and production of mini-tubers under an aeroponic system in central highlands of Kenya

“…This observation is consistent with Mateus-Rodriguez et al (2014) who reported strong environmental effects on plant development and mini-tubers production of a diverse group of potato genotypes grown under an aeroponic system. The yields per plant obtained in this study are in agreement with previously reported work (Mateus-Rodriguez et al, 2014) and are attributed to the increased availability of nutrients (Balamani et al, 1986) and sequential harvesting which eliminates the dominant tubers allowing the development of existing tubers and stimulating the production of new tubers (Lommen, 1992). Tsoka et al (2008) and Tierno et al (2014) also obtained higher yields by aeroponics than using conventional technologies for the production of seed tubers.…”

“…High temperatures are known to induce tall plants by causing greater translocation of photosynthates towards the vegetative organs (stems and leaves) (Wolf et al, 1990). Our results are in agreement with that of Mateus-Rodriguez et al (2014) who observed considerable increases in the length of the vegetative cycle and plant height in genotypes grown in warmer environments. Long days, high night temperatures and high nitrogen fertilization inhibit or delay tuberization whereas, short days and cool night temperatures promote tuberization (Menzel, 1980, Sattelmacher andMarschner, 1978).…”

Soilless system: An approach for hybrid seed production in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

“…plant height, flowering period and seeds/fruit is totally determined by genes and its interaction with the environment. Genotypic difference has been in use since very long time to differentiate the cultivars (Mateus-Rodriguez et al 2014, Kanneh et al 2017, Kaur et al 2017.…”

Potato production in aeroponics: An emerging food growing system in sustainable agriculture forfood security

“…Water sources with a pH above 8 are problematic for aeroponics (Otazú, 2010). The nutrient solution can be dispensed into the entire system using a 0.5-0.75 HP constant pressure pump (Mateus-Rodriguez et al, 2014). However, the pump may be installed according to the system's needs.…”

“…When the minitubers reach at least 8 g or are equivalent to 0.5 cm in diameter, it is best to harvest them when it is cool in the morning (Otazu, 2014). However, Mateus-Rodriguez et al (2014) removed all the minitubers with a diameter greater than 1.5 cm during the first harvest to enhance the start of more tubers. After every 10 to 14 d, subsequent harvests may be performed.…”