Identification of the accumulation of excess temperature during one growing season as a basis for determining suitability for potato plant (Solanum tuberosum L.) in a tropical region

Abstract

High temperature in tropical countries is a significant constraint for potato plant development. It is important to identify the accumulation of excess air temperature between the region with low-temperature and high-temperature during one growing season, as a basis for determining the suitable area for potato plants in a tropical region. Two series of experiments have conducted, the first had carried out in two locations, (1) in the high-temperature area (380 masl) and (2) in the low-temperature area (1360 masl). The second experiment had carried out in a high-temperature area (600 masl). The potato cultivars tested were sensitive to high temperatures. The results of the first experiment showed that the difference between the minimum/maximum air temperature accumulation of one growing season between 1360 masl and 380 masl was 179.49/330.42°C and the decrease in tuber yield reached -76%, resulting in unmarketable potato tuber. The results of the second experiment showed that the difference in the accumulation of minimum/maximum air temperature between 1360 masl and 600 masl was 18.8/188.4°C, which decreasing in tuber yield about -15.2%. This study indicates, the temperature at 600 masl still exceeds the optimum temperature; nonetheless, the quantity and quality of the potato tubers produced were marketable.