Skip to main content
Log in

Relationships of seed size, spacing, stem numbers to yield of Russet Burbank potatoes

  • Published:
American Potato Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Studies were conducted in 1970 and 1971 to determine the relationships among seed size, spacing, stem numbers and yield of Russet Burbank potatoes. Cut seed sizes of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2 oz whole and a treatment consisting of 14% 0.5 oz seed, 62% 1 oz and 24% 1.5 oz seed were used in combination with seed spacings of 6, 9 and 12 inches. As seed became larger the average number of stems per seed piece increased. Percent stand and plant size rating also increased with larger seed. Total yields increased with an increase of seed size. The highest U.S. No. 1 yield was obtained with 2 oz whole seed spaced 6 inches apart with cut seed of the same size yielding slightly less. Within each spacing, the greater stem numbers per plot resulted in higher yields. However, when combinations of seed size and spacings were used to obtain a given stem number per plot, the higher stem numbers did not result in higher yields. A positive correlation coefficient of +0.982 was obtained between weight of seed piece/stem and total yield.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  1. Birecki, M. and Roztropowicz. 1963. Studies on seed potato size and productivity. Eur. Potato J. 6: 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Bishop, J. C. and D. N. Wright. 1959. The effect of size and spacing of seed pieces on the yield and grade of White Rose potatoes in Kern County. Calif. Amer. Potato J. 36: 235–240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Chucka, J. A. 1945. Size of whole and cut seed and spacing in relation to potato yields. Maine Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 439.

  4. Chucka, J. A. and F. A. Steinmetz. 1945. Size of seed piece in relation to potato yields. Maine Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 438.

  5. Davies, H. T. 1969. The influence of stem thinning on tuber size. Amer. Potato J. 46: 287–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Fishnich, O. and H. Krug. 1963. Environmental factors influencing sprout growth and subsequent plant development in the field. pp. 72–96.In The Growth of the Potato. Butterworths, London.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Hardenburg, E. V. 1949. Relation of size of seed piece on yield.In Potato Production. pp. 92–94. Comstock Publishing Co., Inc. Ithaca, N.Y.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Hartman, John D. 1934. Studies on the effects of storage temperatures on the propagation value of potato tubers. Cornell Univ. Agr. Exp. Sta. Memoir. 168.

  9. Houghland, G. and R. V., Akeley. 1959. Effects of seed spacing and fertilizer rate on field performance of potato varieties and financial returns. Amer. Potato J. 36: 227–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Iritani, W. M. 1968. The effect of storage temperature and source on productivity of Russet Burbank seed. Amer. Potato J. 45: 322–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Kawakami, K. 1970. Aging of potato seed tubers affecting growth and productivity of subsequent plants. Abstract Amer. Potato J. 47: 354.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Murphy, H. J. and others. 1967. Effect of physiological maturity and storage temperature on emergence and yield of potatoes. Amer. Potato J. 44: 227–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Nelson, D. C. 1967. Effects of row spacing and plant population on yields and tuber size of potatoes. Amer. Potato J. 44: 17–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Rozier-Vinto C. 1971. Certain aspects of the influence of the seed tuber and number of stems on the growth of the potato plant. Potato Res. 14: 219–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Smith, O. 1937. Influence of storage temperature and humidity on seed value of potatoes. Cornell Univ. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 663.

  16. Stuart, W. and others. 1924. Size of potato sets: Comparison of whole and cut seed. U.S.D.A. Bull. No. 1248.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Scientific paper #3863. Project #1949, Washington Agricultural Experiment Station, Washington State University; Pullman, Washington 99163.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Iritani, W.M., Thornton, R., Weller, L. et al. Relationships of seed size, spacing, stem numbers to yield of Russet Burbank potatoes. American Potato Journal 49, 463–469 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02895746

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02895746

Keywords

Navigation