Poroporo (Solanum aviculareForst): A summary and discussion of some recent agronomic research in New Zealand

Abstract

The paper discusses herbicide, fertiliser, and harvest system trials on poroporo, done by or in co-operation with Riwaka Research Station, DSIR. The trials took place at Motueka andWaitara from 1978-81. Alachor, diphenamid, or diphenamid with monolinuron/linuron were effective as either pre-or post-transvlant herbicides. Application of N enhanced &y matter and solasodine yields at Motueka, whereas P was more important at Waitara. High harvest heights (700 mm) yielded better than low heights (400 mm).Harvest of sides and tops increased long tern yield. Poroporo appears particularly sensitive to its environment, and trial results are difficult to apply directly to commercial production.