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Pre-sprouting as a Tool for Early Harvest in Organic Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivation

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Abstract

Earlier harvest of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) can be achieved by different pretreatments of the seed tubers. In factorial field trials in 2008–2010, two different pre-sprouting methods were evaluated: conventional pre-sprouting of tubers and pre-sprouting of tubers with stimulation of adventitious root formation (PR). The results were compared with those for untreated seed tubers stored at 4 °C until planting (control). One variety was included in three trials, and two varieties were included in one trial. The new PR method was intended to give faster development and tuber initiation than conventional pre-sprouting, which can be of value when the growing season is restricted or when early harvest is important. Plant emergence, leaf necrosis (as a measure of maturity) and incidence of late blight were assessed during the growing season. After harvest, tuber fresh weight, size and density were assessed. It was found that pre-sprouting treatments gave on average 7 days earlier emergence compared with the control. Necrosis began earlier in pre-sprouted treatments in all cases except for the late variety Sarpo Mira. In 2008 and 2009 potato late blight struck late, after onset of senescence, but in 2010 it struck earlier and the pre-sprouted treatments proved more susceptible than the control. Total tuber yield was 7–24% higher on average in all pre-sprouted treatments in the different field trials. Tests on time of harvest showed that the advantage for the pre-sprouting treatments was maintained during the season, but the difference with the control decreased with time. When the different pre-sprouted treatments were compared, the new PR method proved to be not better than conventional pre-sprouting.

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Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledges SLU EkoForsk, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (a programme for research projects within organic agriculture and horticulture) for financial support. Thanks are given to Johannes Forkman for the statistical advice and Maria Kedmark and Freweini Abraha for the technical support.

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  1. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7043, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

    J. Hagman

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Correspondence to J. Hagman.

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Hagman, J. Pre-sprouting as a Tool for Early Harvest in Organic Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivation. Potato Res. 55, 185–195 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11540-012-9218-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11540-012-9218-5

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