Yield and size distribution of potatoes as influenced by seed rate.

Abstract

Five spacing experiments were carried out in 1957 and '58 with seed potatoes, var. Alpha, measuring 25-28 mm, 35-45 mm and 45-60 mm, planted at 400, 600, 800, 1000 or 1200 tubers/ha in rows 60 cm apart and harvested on 7 dates between 29 July and 16 Oct. There was a positive correlation, within experiments, between the number of stems produced per tuber at wide spacings and the surface area of the skin of the tubers, both where whole tubers and cut setts were used. There was a linear relationship between the reciprocal of the yield and the reciprocal of the seed rate where both were expressed in m² of skin surface/are. [See Fld Crop Abstr. 12: 1525 and 13: 777.] Where the reciprocal of the yield for each sett size was averaged for all 5 experiments and plotted against the reciprocal of the seed rate, it was shown that the use of large seed depressed yields; this was considered to be due to the less regular distribution of haulms in the row where the large seed was used. Seed size had little influence on grading. Rows 60 cm apart were considered too widely spaced for maximum production.-R.B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)