Summary
The interaction between nitrogen supply and stem density on leaf attributes and branching was studied in two field experiments. Stem densities included 8, 16, 24, 32 and 40 stems m−2. The low-N treatments received 5 or 10 g m−2 nitrogen, and the high-N treatments 20 or 25 g m−2.
The sizes of mature individual leaves on the main stem declined with increase in stem density and were larger for greater N supply, with additive effects of nitrogen and stem density. The specific leaf area was not affected by nitrogen supply and increased with stem density (range of values: 210 to 310 cm2 g−1). The leaf weight ratio was not affected by the treatments. At 8 and 16 stems m−2 basal branches contributed substantially to the total leaf area per stem: at 24 stems m−2 and higher densities the development of basal branches was negligible. Leaf area on apical branches was always smaller for higher plant densities and lower rates of N supply.
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Vos, J. The effects of nitrogen supply and stem density on leaf attributes and stem branching in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Potato Res 38, 271–279 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02359909
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02359909