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Effects of seed maturity, size and spacing on the yield of potatoes in Ontario

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Summary

Several years experiments have shown that, under Southern Ontario conditions the following results may be expected.

  1. 1)

    Good-quality “A” size seed cut into 11/2 to 2 oz pieces produces total and marketable yields equal to those from whole “B” size seed.

  2. 2)

    In 36-inch rows, seed spacing at 12 to 15 inches is best for the Netted Gem (Russet Burbank) variety if there is a perfect plant stand; spacing at 10 inches is satisfactory for Kennebec and Sebago.

  3. 3)

    There is no advantage in planting immature seed potatoes and it is uneconomic to produce them because of losses during storage and the low yield obtained from early harvesting.

  4. 4)

    The present maximum of 12 oz for “A” size seed is too large for economical use of seed.

Resumen

Varios años de experimentación indican que bajo las condiciones del sur de Ontario pueden esperarse los resultados siguientes.

  1. 1)

    Semilla de buena calidad del tamaño “A” cortada en pedazos de 11/2 a 2 onzas da una producción total y comerciable igual a la obtenida con la semilla entera del tamaño “B.”

  2. 2)

    En hileras están aparte 36 pulgadas, el mejor espaciado de planats para la variedad Netted Gem (Russet Burbank) era de 12 a 15 pulgadas, si todas los espacios estaban llenos. El espaciado de 10 pulgadas fué satisfactorio para Kennebec y Sebago.

  3. 3)

    No hay ventaja en sembrar semilla de papa inmatura ni es económico producirla a causa de las pérdidas durante el almacenaje y el bajo rendimiento obtenido de una cosecha temprana.

  4. 4)

    El tamaño máximo actual de 12 onzas para la semilla del tamaño “A” es demasiado grande para un uso económico de la semilla.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Horticulture, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    R. G. Rowberry (Assistant Professor)

  2. Department of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    G. R. Johnston (Research Officer)

Authors
  1. R. G. Rowberry
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  2. G. R. Johnston
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Rowberry, R.G., Johnston, G.R. Effects of seed maturity, size and spacing on the yield of potatoes in Ontario. American Potato Journal 43, 332–339 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02862478

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