Abstract
This study is an economic analysis of Russet Burbank seed size and spacing data. Using a representative processor contract, regression analysis was used to estimate the statistical relationship between seed size and spacing and total yield, yield of U.S. No. 1’s, yield of U.S. No. 2’s, yield of 284 gm. and larger tubers, and adjusted grower returns. Depending upon seed cost, the economic optimum seed size ranges from 31 gm. to 48 gm. at 15 cm. spacing. With seed spacing at 23 cm. optimum seed size ranges from 40 gm. to 51 gm. At 31 cm., the optimum size range is 45 gm. to 53 gm. Grower returns adjusted for seed and harvest costs are estimated to be greater at the wider spacing.
The results of this analysis have been used to show how grower returns are reduced by variability in seed size and seed spacing. Under normal circumstances, reduced variability in both size and spacing could increase grower returns by $100 per hectare or more.
Resumen
Este estudio es un análisis económico de la información sobre el uso de diferentes tamaños de semilla y espaciamientos de la variedad Russet Burbank. Se usó un análisis de regresión para estimar la relación entre el tamano de semilla, espaciamiento y rendimiento total, rendimiento de U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2, rendimiento de tubérculos de 284 y más grandes, y un valor de ganancia ajustada del agricultor. Dependiendo del costo de la semilla, el tamaño óptimo de semilla varía de 31 a 41 g al usar 15 cm de espaciamiento. Con espaciamiento de 23 cm el tamaño de semilla óptimo varió entre 40 g a 51 g. A 31 cm de espaciamiento el tamaño óptimo varió de 45 g a 53 g. El valor de ganancia del agricultor ajustadas para semilla y costo de cosecha, se estiman de ser mayores al usar mayores espaciamientos.
Los resultados de este análisis han sido usados para demostrar como las ganancias del agricultor son reducidas por variabilidad en el tamaño y espaciamiento de semilla. Bajo circunstancias normales, una variabilidad menor en tamaño y espaciamiento pueden incrementar las ganancias del agricultor en US$ 100 por hectarea o más.
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Schotzko, R.T., Iritani, W.M. & Thornton, R.E. The economics of Russet Burbank seed size and spacing. American Potato Journal 61, 57–66 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02852877
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02852877