Developing Usable Precision Agriculture Systems for Potato in Australia

F.L. Mulcahy

Simplot Australia Pty.Ltd., Mason St., Ulverstone, Tasmania, 7315 Australia

E-mail: frank.mulcahy@simplot.com.au

Precise management of crop inputs, particularly crop water requirements, will have an enormous future bearing on crop profitability and agricultural sustainability. Globally, fields and the crops within the field are treated as an average. Fertilizer is applied as an average for the field, plant density is an average for the field and irrigation is usually applied as a constant volume over the area. But, the actual requirement of microsites within a field varies enormously. Soils in Tasmania vary from rich volcanic ferrosol to coastal sands and duplex loams and often, more than one soil type can be found within an individual field.

This project is using Electromagnetic induction and global positioning systems technology (EM38) to map spatial variability of soil conductivity. Factors such as soil moisture content, salt levels and soil texture affect the concentration of conductive materials and all influence the soil’s apparent electrical conductivity. In 2009–2010, precision agriculture trials have revealed yield variations exceeding 350%. In real terms this relates to losses of Australian dollars (AUD) $ 5,000 per ha to profits of AUD $ 11,000 per ha, all within the same field. The EM 38 map can also be adapted to the centre pivot computer so irrigation volumes alter to match changing soil textures and ultimately the plant demand within those changed textural zones. The manipulation of applied water volumes has resulted in greater recovered yield, more consistent tuber sizing and quality, together with savings in the water resource.

An Ecophysiological Model Approach to Analyse Canopy Dynamics in Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

M.S. Khan1, P.C. Struik1, P.E.L. van der Putten1, X. Yin1, H.J. van Eck2,3, M. Malosetti4 and F.A. van Eeuwijk4

1 Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands; 2 Laboratory of Plant Breeding, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands; 3 Centre for Biosystems Genomics, P.O. Box 98, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands; 4 Biometris, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 100, 6700 AC Wageningen, The Netherlands

E-mail: sohail.khan@wur.nl

An ecophysiological model was designed to quantify variation in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) canopy dynamics. Model algorithms describe the build-up phase, maximum cover phase, and decline phase based on five parameters: t m1 (transition from accelerating to diminishing growth during the build-up phase, t 1 (end of the build-up phase when canopy cover attains its maximum level v max), t 2 (end of the phase of maximum cover), and t e (end of the crop cycle). Parameter values were estimated for 5 cultivars and 100 individuals of an F1 population using data collected in 6 field experiments. The model successfully described differences in canopy dynamics among individual genotypes across environments. Model parameters were used to derive several secondary variables: P 1, P 2 and P 3 (length of the three phases) and A sum (area under the canopy cover curve reflecting the crop’s capacity to intercept incoming radiation). P 1 was relatively conservative, but P 2 and P 3 varied greatly. There were negative correlations among P 1, P 2, and P 3, suggesting that genotypes with slow canopy build-up had a relatively short P 2, but a relatively long P 3. Furthermore, P 2 was short when v max was below 100%, whereas it could be (much) longer when v max reached 100%. Later genotypes had a higher A sum because they had longer P 2 and P 3. Total biomass production depends on the absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, which is proportional to A sum. Potato models predicting yield could use our approach to improve estimates of canopy light interception under diverse environmental conditions. Our approach also allows identifying potato canopy characteristics relevant for breeding.

Influence of Some Agronomical and Environmental Factors on Tuber Yield and Quality of Potato Grown in Organic Production System

K. Zarzyńska

Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Potato Agronomy Department, Jadwisin, 05-140 Serock, Poland

E-mail: k.zarzynska@ihar.edu.pl

In experiments carried out at two sites in Poland (central and east-south) in the years 2008–2009, effects of different environmental and agronomical conditions on yield and potato tuber quality grown in an organic production system were tested. Despite better soil conditions and richer crop rotation at site 2, the total and marketable tuber yields were higher at site 1. The external and internal tuber quality depended on all tested factors; however, genotype had the biggest effect. Chemical composition of tubers also depended mostly on cultivar characteristics. The environmental conditions had a large influence on taste and tuber flesh darkening.

Evaluation of Tuber Yields of Some Potato Cultivars Grown under Different Fertilization Programs Depending on Soil Analysis in Different Locations

N. Kuşman

GÖMEÇ Zirai Ürünler Üretim İthalat İhracat AŞ, Ankara, Turkey

E-mail: noyan.kusman@gmail.com

The companies producing seed and ware potatoes have their soils analyzed for productivity at their production sites. Companies who base their decisions on fertilizer type and application preference on these soil analyses obtain different yield figures in different years from different cultivars. In this study, fertilizer type, dosage and application effects on productivity of different cultivars have been evaluated.

Local Application of Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizers during Potato Crop Establishment

P. Kasal and J. Čepl

Potato Research Institute Havlíčkův Brod, Dobrovského Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic

E-mail: kasal@vubhb.cz

In the 1990s the potato de-stoning technology was accepted in many agricultural enterprises engaged in the intensive potato growing in the Czech Republic. Although purchase costs of a de-stoning line are high, its utilization brings an economic effect. Tuber yields are significantly increased and mechanical tuber damages are reduced. However, due to higher soil loosening in this technology, intensity of mineralization and nitrification processes in soils is enhanced, especially in the period when plants cannot fully utilize the nutrients released. Therefore, new possibilities of fertilization systems aim at reducing surface and ground water pollution are verified. The utilization of local applications of mineral fertilizers (especially nitrogen) at planting seems promising. This fertilization system has been evaluated in the trials of PRI Havlíčkův Brod during the last years. The effects of a local application of solid mineral nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium sulphate) and liquid mineral nitrogen fertilizers (DAM 390) have been studied. The local application particularly increased tuber yield. In general, the results confirmed that this way of mineral fertilizer application is a suitable solution for the negative effects associated with the de-stoning technology.

Effects of Vine Killing on Yield, Quality and Storage Characteristics of Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars

G. Yılmaz1, Y. Yanar2, Y.B. Karan1 and H. Okur1

1 Gaziosmanpaşa University, Faculty of Agriculture, Crop Science Department, Tokat, Turkey; 2 Gaziosmanpaşa University, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Protection Dept., Tokat, Turkey

E-mail: gyilmaz@gop.edu.tr

In this study, effects of vine killing on seed potato yield, yield components and the changes in the seed potato throughout the storage period were evaluated. The study was conducted under Artova/Tokat climatic conditions during the growing season of 2006. Experimental design was a randomized split plot design with three replications. Main plot was cultivar (Agria, Burren, Hermes, Marfona, Milva) and sub-plot was seed potato tubers coming from different vine treatments. Based on the results of the present study, tuber yield of seed potato obtained from a vine killing treatment was 37,477 kg ha-1 while the tuber yield of the control (no vine killing) was 36,120 kg ha-1. During the storage period, weight losses of seed potato tubers coming from the vine killing treatment and from the control (without vine killing) were 8.0% and 8.9% respectively. Vine killing increased dry matter by 6.2% while the increase of dry matter in the control treatment was 6.8%. The rates of diseased and blind tubers of cultivars receiving vine killing ranged from 0.52 to 2.10% while that of cultivars receiving no vine killing ranged from 0.18 to 2.06%. Sprouting rate of cultivars receiving vine killing was higher (76.5%) than that of cultivar receiving no vine killing (63.1%). Effects of vine killing on storage quality of seed tubers varied depending on cultivar.

Effect of Cultural Practices on Performance of Potato Grown on Clay Soils of the Tropical Conditions of Northern Sudan

A.M. Ali1, S.D.M. El Amen2 and A.R.A. El Mahdi1

1 Faculty of Agriculture, Nile Valley University, Darmali, Sudan; 2 College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University for Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Shambat, Sudan

E-mail: azimali58@yahoo.com

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons (2004/5 and 2005/6) at Krikur farm, Dar Mali, Naher El Neel State, Northern Sudan. The experiment was laid out in a split–split plot design with four replications, to study the response of potato (Solanum tuberosum) to different cultural practices. Treatments included three row spacings (70, 80 and 90 cm) assigned as main plot, sowing depth (10, 15 and 20 cm) as subplots and earthing up (once or twice) as sub-sub plots. Parameters measured were days to emergence, number of stems, crop cover, number of stolons/hill, yield (t ha-1), dry matter content and sugar content of the tubers. The results indicated that number of days to emergence and number of stems were unaffected by either of the treatments applied. Increasing ridge spacing decreased significantly crop cover and tuber yield, and increased dry matter content of the tubers, but did not affect sugar content. Increasing sowing depth increased significantly the number of stolons, tuber yield, dry matter and sugar content of the tubers. Reridging twice (earthing up) had no significant effect on any of the tested parameters.

The Newest Results of a Complex Resistance Breeding Programme to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses of Potato

Z. Polgár1*, I. Wolf1, Z. Vaszily1, R. Tömösközi-Farkas2 and L. Gergely3

1 University of Pannonia, Potato Research Centre, PF 71, H-8361 Keszthely, Hungary; 2 Central Food Research Institute, PF 393, H-1537, Budapest, Hungary; 3 Central Agricultural Office, Keleti Károly str. 24, H-1024, Budapest, Hungary

E-mail: polg-zs@georgokon.hu

The stability of yield and quality of potato varieties in connection to their reaction to biotic and abiotic stresses is a rather complex trait. During official state registration processes three newly bred variety candidates of University of Pannonia (Balatoni rózsa, Katica, Démon) were tested for two years at four locations under dry continental climate in Hungary. Yield parameters, resistance to major viral and fungal pathogens on haulm, tuber rots, tuber disorders and yield decrease during the subsequent trial years were evaluated. Total glycoalkaloid content of tubers was determined in the context of the use of wild Solanum species’ resistance genes in the breeding process. Based on evaluated data all variety candidates showed excellent stability. They exceeded the standards (Cleopatra and Désirée) in almost all the studied parameters, especially for resistance to degenerative viruses, common scab, marketable yield and tuber disorders (reaction to heat, drought, uneven water supply). Their total yield did not differ from the controls in the first year of evaluation, however for Démon and Baltoni rózsa it was significantly higher after replanting next year. The total glycoalkaloid (TGA) content remained far below the limit of food regulations. Consequently a breeding programme that operates under conditions favourable for selection to physiological stress tolerance and focuses on the incorporation of diseases resistance genes can lead to the release of varieties having more stable yield, higher quality and lower rate of degeneration. By the use of such varieties especially under non-irrigated and virologically degenerative conditions the security of potato production can be increased.

Screening of CIP Clones for Drought Tolerance in Indo-Gangetic Plains

P. Kumar1, N. Sharma2, M.S. Kadian2, C. Carli3, S.K. Pandey5, M. Bonierbale4, S.K. Luthra1, R. Schafleitner4, J. Gopal5, S.V. Singh1, B.P. Singh1, S. Rawal1 and R. Kumar1

1 Central Potato Research Institute Campus (CPRI), Modipuram, India; 2 CIP-SWCA Region, Delhi, India; 3 International Potato Center (CIP), Liaison Office, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; 4 CIP-Lima, Peru; 5 CPRI, Shimla, India

E-mail: pkumarcpri@gmail.com

Water for irrigation is depleting globally and its judicious use is required for sustainable productivity of crops including potato. Potato is considered to be a drought-sensitive crop due to its shallow root system, but genotype-specific differences in yield maintenance under water stress have been documented in the present study. Seven CIP advanced clones were evaluated with GTZ funds in a 90-day trial in the fields of the Central Potato Research Institute, Campus of Modipuram, India, during 2008–2009 and 2009–2010. Three irrigation regimes were considered: normal irrigation, moderate water deficit and severe water deficit. Results indicated that plant height decreased significantly with reduced irrigation especially under severe water deficit (plants were irrigated up to tuber initiation). The canopy temperature was high under reduced irrigation and a difference in temperature of 5.5 °C was recorded between normal irrigated and severe water deficit treatments at 85 DAP during 2008–09. Marketable tuber number per plant reduced significantly from 7.2 (normal irrigation regime) to 3.9 (severe water deficit). Tuber yield also reduced significantly from 560 g/plant (normal irrigation regime) to 271 g/plant (severe water deficit). Yield reduction under severe water deficit was minimum in CIP clone 397069.11 (39.6%) followed by 395195.7 (47.3%). The high yield maintenance ability of 395195.7 and 397069.11 was also supported by the higher drought tolerance index and the lower drought susceptibility index, compared to the other entries. Across the clones, tuber dry matter content was higher under reduced irrigation compared to normal irrigation.

Evaluation of CIP Advanced Clones for Hot Climate in Gujarat State

S.V. Singh1, M.S. Kadian2, N.H. Patel3, S.K. Luthra1, C. Carli4, S.K. Pandey5, D. Kumar1, P. Kumar1, N. Sharma2, M. Bonierbale6, J. Gopal5 and B.P. Singh1

1 Central Potato Research Institute Campus (CPRI), Modipuram, Meerut, India; 2 International Potato Center (CIP)-SWCA-Region, Delhi, India; 3 Potato Research Station, Dessa, Gujarat, India; 4 International Potato Center, Liaison Office, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; 5 Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India; 6 International Potato Center-Lima, Peru

E-mail: cpricampus@yahoo.com

Twenty CIP advanced clones supplied by CIP in the framework of a GTZ-funded project were evaluated for heat tolerance in the lowland Agriculture Research Station of Ladol, Gujarat (India), under short day conditions during winter time. The site selected for screening has higher night and day temperatures compared to other potato growing areas in India. Three CIP clones, namely 301029.18, 388972.22 and 393708.31 yielded 49.4, 49.4 and 47.3 t ha-1, respectively, that is significantly higher than the heat tolerant variety Kufri Surya (42.7 t ha-1). CIP clones produced more than 95% marketable size tubers (>20 g), had tuber dry matter content ranging between 19.1% to 21.9% compared to 18.9 % of Kufri Lauvkar, presently used for chipping in Gujarat. Furthermore CIP clone 388972.22 produced acceptable chips with better Hunter colour value (62.1) than the best control Kufri Surya (52.7). The results suggest a possible adoption of those promising CIP clones for fresh ware potato production in early planting and processing in cereal-based diversified cropping system of Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Late Blight Resistant Potato Varieties for Cereal Based Lowlands of India

V. Kumar1, S.K. Luthra2, M.S. Kadian3, J. Landeo4, J. Gopal1, S.V. Singh2, M. Bonierbale4 and S.K. Pandey1

1 Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, HP, India; 2 CPRI-Campus, Modipuram, Meerut, UP, India; 3 CIP-SWCA Region, NASC Complex, New Delhi-12, India; 4 CIP, Lima, Peru

E-mail: m.kadian@cgiar.org

The aim of the present study was to identify medium-maturing potato varieties to improve livelihoods of farmers through enhanced productivity of lowland and highland cereal based cropping systems. Seventeen CIP-bred clones and locally cultivated Indian varieties were evaluated for resistance to late blight (LB) under long day conditions in the highlands in 2008 and 2009. The same clones were tested for their yield potential and tuber characteristics in lowlands in 2008–09 and 2009–10 crop seasons under short day conditions. In 2008, all genotypes except five clones and variety Kufri Girdhari were completely devastated by LB. The two-year area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) indicated that CIP clones 395017.229, 395109.29, 396244.12 and variety Kufri Girdhari were resistant to LB, whereas three other clones 394611.112, 395112.6 and 396037.215 were moderately resistant. One of the resistant clones 395109.29 gave high dry matter (21.3%) and yielded at par with Kufri Bahar which is cultivated widely in lowlands. The mean tuber yields of CIP clones 395193.6 and 397065.28 were 43.39 t ha−1 and 36.04 t ha−1, respectively compared to 31.33 t ha−1 of the most popular variety Kufri Bahar. These two mid-maturing clones in lowlands will be assessed in the All India Coordinated Research Project for multilocation testing before releasing varieties for cereal based cropping systems.

Adaptation of Micronutrient-dense Advanced CIP-bred Clones to Different Environments of Central Asia

C. Carli1, F. Yuldashev1, D. Khalikov1, M.S. Kadian2 and M. Bonierbale3

1 CIP-Liaison office, 6 Osiyo str., 100000 Tashkent, Uzbekistan; 2 CIP-SWCA, Delhi, NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi 110012, India; 3 CIP-Lima, P.O. Box 1558, Lima 12, Peru

E-mail: c.carli@cgiar.org

Potato is an important co-staple food in Central Asia and also a potential source of bioavailable minerals for human nutrition in an area characterized by high rates of iron-deficiency anaemia. In this respect, five advanced CIP clones from the LTVR (Lowland Tropic Virus Resistant) population having the highest available Fe and Zn content were tested for adaptation to different environmental conditions and growing seasons in Uzbekistan. Dutch variety Santé was used as a standard check. For each entry, phenological data were gathered. In one location at mid-elevation, all experimental clones showed good tuberization and a yield between 25.0 and 61.3 t ha−1. The growing period varied from medium to late maturing. Evaluation of processing quality revealed that tuber dry matter content ranged from 20 to almost 25%. Clone 388611.22 was found very suitable for crisps while 392797.22 was suitable for French fries according to a panel of scientists and consumers in the organoleptic tests that were organized at the Institute of Vegetables, Melon and Potato, Tashkent. Significant G × E interactions were found for dry matter, vitamin C and total sugar, confirming results reported earlier.

Effect of Tillage on Soil Physical Characteristics and Yield of Selected Cash Crops

M. Čížek, P. Kasal and A. Svobodová

Potato Research Institute Havlíčkův Brod, Dobrovského 2366 580 01 Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic

E-mail: cizek@vubhb.cz

In the years 2007–2009, the influence of two ways of soil cultivation (shallow cultivation and ploughing) on physical soil characteristics was examined. The study focused on bulk density, soil moisture and porosity and their effects on the growing after various crops (potato, winter wheat, spring barley, pea and poppy). Soil samplings to determine soil physical properties were taken by the method of taking undamaged soil samplings by a Kopecky physical roller from three soil horizons (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm). The effect of method of soil cultivation on yield of crops grown was also observed. Under trial conditions it was found that soil characteristics were markedly influenced by growing different crops, more so than by the way the soil was cultivated. From values of bulk density determined (as a basic soil physical property) it could be observed that growing different crops had a stronger influence on soil density than the different ways of soil cultivation. Compared with annual cash crops, potato grown by conventional technology with ploughing had the most positive influence on bulk density. Influence of various soil cultivation methods on yields differed in individual years and also in different crops after cereals (spring winter), oilseed (poppy) and root crops (potato). Higher yields were mostly achieved in the minimum variant with shallow cultivation than in the variant with deeper soil cultivation (ploughing) in growing crops after potato. In growing crops after poppy higher yields were mostly achieved in the minimum variant with shallow cultivation than in the deeper soil cultivation with ploughing. Only pea and potato had higher yields after ploughing.

Effects of Planting Date on Seed Potato Production and Early Blight ( Alternaria solani ) Disease Severitiy

Y. Yanar1, G. Yılmaz2 and Y.B. Karan2

1 GOÜ Agricultural Faculty, Department of Plant Protection, Tokat, Turkey; 2 GOÜ Agricultural Faculty, Department of Agronomy, Tokat, Turkey

E-mail: yanar@gop.edu.tr

This study was carried out under Artova/Tokat conditions in the growing seasons of 2006 and 2007. Artova town of Tokat is one of the main seed potato production areas of Turkey. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of planting date on seed potato yield and early blight disease severity of potato. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with completely randomized blocks and three replications. Potato cultivars tested were Agata (very early maturing cultivar), Marabel (early maturing cultivar), and Agria (semi-late maturing cultivar) and planting dates were first, tenth, and twentieth of May. For the different planting dates of the cultivars, total tuber yields, seed tuber yields and seed tuber fractions were determined. Total tuber yields, seed tuber yields and seed tuber fractions of the cultivars for the different planting dates were 28,736 kg ha-1, 25,779 kg ha-1, 23,249 kg ha-1; 24,334 kg ha-1, 22,293 kg ha-1, 20,324 kg ha-1 and 83.7%, 85.8%, and 86.9%, respectively. For the different planting dates, early blight severity was evaluated using a 0–4 rating scale and the disease indexes were determined. Average early blight severities of cultivar Agata were 2.7, 1.0, and 0.4 at first, second and third planting dates, respectively. Disease indexes of the same cultivar were 67.5%, 25.0%, and 10% at the three different planting dates, respectively. On the other hand, early blight severities of cultivar Marabel were 1.4, 0.3, and 0.0 at first, second and third planting dates, respectively, while disease indexes were 35.0%, 7.5%, and 0.0%, respectively. The semi-late maturing cultivar Agria had no early blight symptoms at either of these three planting dates.

Response of Potato Sown in Early November to Seed Size and Seed Treatment with Disinfectants in the Tropical Conditions of Northern Sudan

A.M. Ali and A.A. Abdalla

Faculty of Agriculture, Nile Valley University, Atbara, Sudan

E-mail: azimali58@yahoo.com

In Sudan, due to a short growing season, potato has to be sown in early November. With climate change, temperatures at this time are high, causing seed decay. An experiment in a split-plot design with three replications was conducted for two growing seasons (2008/9 and 2009/10) to examine the effects of seed size and seed treatment with disinfectants on the growth and yield of potato planted during early November. Seed tuber size (<35 mm, 35–55 mm and splitted >55 mm) was assigned to the main plots, while treatment with disinfectants was assigned to the sub-plots. Cupric sulphate solution of 1.5%, commercial Clorox (5% sodium hypochlorite) 2% conc. and tap water (as control) were used as disinfectants by dipping potato tubers in them for 20–30 minutes. Parameters measured were percent emergence, number of stems per hill, crop canopy cover, severeness of leaf blight infection, number of tubers per plant and weight of tubers (g/plant). Results revealed that germination and crop cover were significantly reduced and leaf blight was increased in splitted large-sized seed tubers. Seed treatment increased significantly the number of tubers and tuber weight per plant. Number of stems per hill was not affected by either of the experimental treatments. The highest tuber weight per plant was obtained by small-sized seed treated with Clorox in the first season (414 g) and medium-sized Clorox-treated seed in the second season (381 g).

Determination of Sustainability Indicators of Potato Production and their Preferred Level

A.J. Haverkort

Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands

E-mail: anton.haverkort@wur.nl

Beside safe food that should also be healthy and tasty, consumers increasingly are interested in the impact food production has on the environment. This tendency is shown in the role of organic production with its own certification standards and internationally recognized labels but also in many other ‘green’ labels issued by retail or farmers’ organizations. The claim of food safety through standardized HACCP analysis ISO-certification is pre-competitive whereas taste and health claims are fiercely competitive. The environment-friendliness of production still is a matter of competition between companies and groups of producers trying to attract buyers. Attempts at making it a pre-competitive issue are made by e.g. the SAI-Platform, a consortium of large food-processing companies. Where food safety is easily organized by assuring that levels of foreign bodies (e.g., glass particles) or substances (e.g., nitrate) are zero or below predetermined threshold levels, sustainability is less easily defined and standardized. A supply chain of food is sustainable when benefits for people, planet and profit are assured. This paper outlines an approach where the planet aspects of sustainability are defined in terms of sustainability indicators expressed as the use efficiencies of resources drawn from the environment: land, water, energy, minerals and biocides and the emissions associated with them. Three mutually synergizing approaches apply: surveying a group of representative growers in an area about their practices regarding soil preparation, crop husbandry including mechanical and chemical treatments and irrigation and benchmarking performance of individual growers against 1) their average, 2) data taken from a national standard, and 3) calculations carried out with a crop growth model. The first approach reveals which growers have the highest efficiencies of resource use (i.e. best practices), the second how the target groups or areas perform compared with the national average and the third how close efficiencies approach theoretically obtainable ones.

The Influence of GA 3 Concentration and Tuber Age on Dormancy Breaking at Post-harvest Control

P. Dolničar and V. Zadrgal

Kmetijski inštitut Slovenije, Hacquetova 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

E-mail: peter.dolnicar@kis.si

The use of healthy potato seed is essential for achieving high potato yields of high quality. The health control of seed lots in final post-harvest control is a key factor to guarantee high grade potato seed. Since potato tubers are still dormant when the post-harvest control is performed in August, dormancy should be artificially broken. In order to do so, gibberellic acid (GA3) is applied. The reaction of potato varieties to hormone treatment depends on earliness, time of treatment and specific properties of each variety. In this study we tried to find an optimal concentration of GA3 for plant development of different varieties, since only well developed plants are suitable for performing a visual health check. To determine the influence of GA3 concentration on optimal plant growth and development, varieties Adora, KIS Mirna and Bistra which belong to different maturity groups, were used in the experiment. The experiment was set up in four repetitions with six GA concentrations and five pre-set treatment dates. Plant emergence, growth and development, and possible toxic effects of GA treatment were monitored starting 8 days after the treatment. The results showed that the concentration of GA3 could be lowered by 0.4 ml l-1 compared to the present values of post-harvest control set in practice. Plants grew smaller, but leaves were well developed, so symptoms of the infection with plant viruses could easily be recognized. There were also fewer symptoms of GA3 toxicity. The concentration of GA3 must be lowered by 0.1 ml l-1 week-1 at later planting dates of post-harvest control.

Limits and New Approach in Improving Seed Potato Production in Romania

S.C. Chiru, Gh.Olteanu, N. Chiru and S. Rusu

National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet, INCDCSZ Brasov, 2 Fundaturii, 500470 Romania

E-mail: sorinchiru@potato.ro

Data on the dynamics (quantitative/qualitative) of potato cultivation (including seed production) in Romania during the last 40 years are reported. The structure of the varieties and biological categories for seed potato crop constraints caused by organization, and economic and climate changes are presented. A SWOT analysis is used to propose a new system for seed potato production.

Effect of Field Multiplication Generation on Seed Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Quality in Kenya

G. Wachria, I. Barker and E. Schulte-Geldermann

International Potato Center, Regional Office Sub Saharan Africa (CIP-SSA), Nairobi, Kenya

E-mail: wacira81@yahoo.com

Kenya has a national average potato production of 8 t ha−1. The main reason for this low yield is the use of poor quality seed by farmers. The seed system is therefore of utmost importance if higher yield levels are to be achieved. Currently the formal seed system is only able to supply about 1% of the country’s demand. Viruses and other seed borne diseases can cause severe seed degeneration leading to decrease in yield and economic losses. Viral infections like PVY, PLRV and bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum are the main diseases affecting seed quality.

The purpose of this study is to determine the yield gap caused by degeneration of various seed qualities. The seed qualities used were from the 2nd field generations (FG) of a private seed multiplier, basic seed from the National program (3rd FG), certified seed from a public seed multiplier (6th FG), quality declared seed which was seed obtained from credible farmers but which had been produced without the normal certified seed production regulations (FG 4-6). Positively selected seed which had been selected by following CIP’s manual of ‘select the best’ to improve farmer’s own saved seed—trained by KARI and MOA extension staff—and typical farmer’s practice seed were used. The yield gap caused by seed quality was determined by carrying out multi-location on-farm trials with three main varieties over two seasons in potato growing regions of the country. Results indicate significant differences in number of stems per plant, virus infection levels and number of harvested tubers and yield.

The Effects of Seed Category on Growth and Yield of Some Potato Cultivars in Üçkapılı Area, the New Microzone for Seed Potato Production in Turkey

H. Onaran1, M.E. Çalışkan2, M.G. Bilgin1 and A. Cağlı1

1 Potato Research Institute, Nigde, Turkey; 2 Deparment of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey

E-mail: huseyinonaran42@hotmail.com

Üçkapılı area was determined as a new potential seed potato production area in the Nigde province in Turkey. Two separate field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different potato seed categories (super elite, pre-elite, elite, certified-1 and certified-2) on growth, yield and seed degeneration rate of different potato cultivars under Üçkapılı conditions during the 2008 and 2009 growing seasons. In Experiment 1, super elite and pre-elite seed tubers of cultivars Hermes and Granola were used in 2008, and super elite, pre-elite and elite seed tubers of these two cultivars were planted in 2009. In Experiment 2, imported original seed tubers of cultivars Agata, Marabel and Agria were planted in 2008, and imported original and certified seed tubers, which were produced at the Üçkapılı location in the previous year, were compared in 2009. Seed tubers were hand-planted on 21 May in 2008 and on 22 May in 2009 for Experiment 1, and on 21 May in 2008 and 22 May 2009, respectively in Experiment 2. Number of tubers per plant, mean tuber weight, tuber yield per plant and per ha, and percentage of unmarketable (<28 mm), seed size (28–55 mm) and ware size (>55 mm) tubers in the total yield were determined after harvest in both experiments. Two years field experiments with different categories of seed material of several cultivars revealed that Üçkapılı area can be considered as a microzone for production of high-grade seed potatoes. It is possible to get over 30 t ha-1 of healthy potato tubers when high-grade seed material is used in the Üçkapılı area.

Seed Potato Crop Microzoning using Elements of Precision Farming

Gh. Olteanu1, C. Aldea2, I. Şandric3, S. Chiru1, I. Puiu1 and L. Mike4

1 National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet (INCDCSZ) Brasov, 500470 Brasov, Romania; 2 Transilvania University from Brasov, Romania; 3 Geosystems-Romania, Bucharest, Romania; 4 Station of Research and Development for Potato, Tg. Secuiesc, Romania

E-mail: olgeo@potato.ro

This paper presents the strategy using agricultural mechatronics, GIS and GPS for monitoring resources in spatial distribution. Based on these a microzoning model for seed potato cultivation was achieved, taking account of economic, biological and ecologically zoned factors. The proposed model in this paper is tested on the Brasov county areas. For obtaining high-quality seed potatoes specific cultivation technology, good agricultural practices and precision farming are recommended.

A Study on Determination of Minituber Production Potential of Different Potato Cultivars in Repeated and Conventional Harvesting under In Vivo Conditions

D. Hassanpanah and J. Azimi

Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Iran

E-mail: D_Hassanpanah@yahoo.com

In this experiment, plantlets produced from meristems of two potato cultivars were propagated by the single-node cutting method. After propagation, the plantlets were planted in beds with a 1:1 (v/v) mix of Punce and Biolan. The experiment was carried out in a factorial, completely randomized design with four replications in which factor A included two types of harvesting: repeated harvesting (one intermediate harvest of minitubers after 45 days and another harvest 80 days after planting) and conventional harvesting (harvested after 80 days after planting as a control), and factor B included plantlets of two potato cultivars (Agria and Savalan) and factor C included four timings of foliar fertilizer supply. Both cultivar Agria and Savalan showed a high number of minitubers and minituber weight per plant and per m2; cultivar Agria had a high average minituber size, a high number and weight of minitubers bigger than 7 g, whereas cultivar Savalan had a high weight of minitubers between 3 and 7 g when plants received foliar fertilizer application at 15, 30 and 45 days after planting. Repeated harvesting and foliar fertilizer application at 15, 30 and 45 days after planting, increased the number of minitubers and minituber weight per plant and per m2, the average minituber size, the number of minitubers smaller than 3 g, the number of minitubers between 3–7 g and the number of minitubers bigger than 7 g. Highest values for number and weight of minitubers per plant and per m2, and for number and weight of minitubers between 3 and 7 g were found for cultivar Savalan, and highest values for number and weight of minitubers bigger than 7 g and for average minituber size were found for cultivar Agria in the repeated harvesting treatment and for number and weight of minitubers smaller than 3 g for cultivar Savalan in the conventional harvest treatment. The number of minitubers per plant was positively and significantly correlated with attributes such as minituber weight per plant and per m2, but was negatively and significantly correlated with average minituber size.

The Effect of Multi Harvest at Different Stages on Minituber Production of Some Potato Cultivars under Greenhouse Condition

M. Khanbabazadeh1, M.B. Khorshidy1, D. Hassanpanah2 and S.H. Azizi3

1 Islamic Azad University, Miyaneh Branch, Iran; 2 Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Centre of Ardabil, Iran; 3 Islamic Azad University Tabriz Branch, Iran

E-mail: D_Hassanpanah@yahoo.com

Experiments were carried out with healthy plantlets of three advanced potato cultivars to assess the effect of four different harvesting methods during 2008 and 2009. The experimental design used was a completely randomized split-plot design with three replications. Factor A consisted of four harvest methods (harvest 40 and 80 days after planting, harvest 60 and 80 days after planting, harvest 40, 60 and 80 days after planting, and the control: harvest 80 days after planting) and factor B consisted of three potato cultivars (Agria, Savalan and Marfona). Analysis of variance for measured traits indicated that harvest method, cultivar and their interaction had significant effects on the number and weight of minitubers per plant and per m2, minituber average size, number and weight of minitubers smaller than 1 g, between 1–5 g and bigger than 5 g. Maximum number of minitubers per plant and per m2, and average minituber size was obtained for cultivar Savalan in repeated harvesting [two non-destructive mid-term harvests (40, 60 days) and a destructive harvest (80 days)], maximum minituber weight per plant and per m2 was obtained for repeated harvesting (60, 80 days or 40, 60, 80 days after planting) and the maximum number and weight of minitubers bigger than 5 g were obtained for harvesting 60 and 80 days after planting. Results of linear correlation showed that there were positive and significant relationships between the number of minitubers per plant and the minituber weight per plant, the number and weight of minitubers per m2, and the number and weight of minitubers between 1 and 5 g and bigger than 5 g.

Investigation of Seed Potato Production in Alternative Tissue Culture Media

C. Yaman and M. Yorgancılar

Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selçuk, Konya, Turkey

E-mail: cennetyaman@gmail.com

Increasing potato consumption both in Turkey and in the world makes the use of good quality seeds an obligation. Tissue culture techniques have been widely used to meet the increasing demand for seed. In this study, potentials for more economical production of seed potatoes were investigated using alternative culture media. In the study, plants free from disease were produced using meristems. The meristems of potatoes were taken to eight different cultures: two different nutrient media [Murashige and Skoog media (MS) and 1/2 MS], two different carbon sources (2% sucrose and sugar) and two different semi-solidifiers [agar (7-8 g l−1) and jelly (52 g l−1)]. Following the culture periods, plantlets were transferred to ex-vitro conditions. Consequently, in this study, minitubers were produced using culture media that were much less costly.

Rapid Multiplication of Potato Minitubers using Hydroponics

K. Rykaczewska

Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute-NRI, Research Division Jadwisin Poland

E-mail: k.rykaczewska@ihar.edu.pl

The aim of the study, carried out in the years 2008–2009, was to assess the possibility of rapid multiplication of potato minitubers grown from in vitro materials using the hydroponic method and compare it with the traditional method. In vitro plantlets of genotypes tested (Cyprian, Cekin, Irga, Zebra, Katahdin, SZC2707) were placed in a hydroponic system of own production. A medium was applied which contained all macro- and micronutrients: N (as NO3ˉ and NH+), P, K, S, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe (chelate), Mn, Zn, B, Cu, and Mo, in the proportions appropriate for potato. The medium was renewed at intervals of 1 week. Four harvests of minitubers were performed: I—June 23, II—July 14, III—August 6, and IV—August 26. In the traditional method, in vitro plantlets of tested genotypes were planted in boxes with soil substrate. The harvest took place once, in the last decade of August. The minitubers obtained by both methods were stored for a winter period at a temperature of about 3 °C. The sprouting capacity of minitubers was determined in spring. Significant differences in yield and multiplication coefficient between traditional and hydroponic methods were found. The multiplication coefficient was higher in the hydroponic method, on average 191% in relation to traditional method, but the yield was lower by 35%. It was found that the sprouting capacity of minitubers obtained by both methods was complete. The results of the study presented here were used in the development of a technology of producing minitubers in an aeroponic system.

Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Properties of Base Seeds from True Potato Seeds (TPS)

A. Nazirzadeh1, D. Hassanpanah2, M. Yıldız3, C. Er3

1 Islamic Azad University of Kaleybar Branch, Iran; 2 Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Centre of Ardabil, Iran; 3 University of Ankara, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept of Field Crops, Turkey

E-mail: alinazirzadeh@yahoo.com

Tubers from five new progenies of true potato seeds, (respectively with numbers 994001, 994002, 994013, 994114 and IP 88006) which had been produced by the International Potato Center (CIP), were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in four replications together with a control cultivar (Agria), with the seed cluster E, in order to study the base seed production by planting true potato seeds and using produced seedling tubers as base seeds while selecting ideal and regionally compatible and commercially competitive cultivars. The results from quality variance indicated that there was a significant difference in tuber yield, number of basic and auxiliary stems, number of days before tuber production, number of tubers bigger than 55 mm, weight of tubers smaller than 35 mm and bigger than 55 mm and the number and weight of tubers per plant. Results from comparison of average qualities showed that the control and progenies 1 and 5 had a higher tuber yield and produced respectively 31.25, 21.25 and 20.00 Mg ha−1. Among the progenies listed above, numbers 2, 3 and 4 had the highest numbers of base stems and of tubers per plant, and the largest values for plant height. Progeny numbers 1 and 5 had the highest level of tuber yield and the highest number of stems per plant, number of days before germination, tuber production and tuber weight. They had the lowest numbers of base stems per plant, tubers smaller than 35 mm, tubers between 33 and 55 mm and tubers bigger than 55 mm, the weight of tubers smaller than 35 mm and bigger than 55 mm and the weight of tubers per plant. Considering the correlation between yield of tubers and other qualities, there was a positive and significant correlation with the number and weight of tubers per plant and the number of tubers of 35–55 mm. Tuber yield also showed a negative correlation with the number of days before tuber production. In the classification of progenies according to qualities, progenies 1, 4 and 5 were placed in cluster 1, progeny number 2 was placed in cluster 2 and progeny number 3 was placed in cluster 3.

True Potato Seed for Commercial Potato Production and Food Security in Nepal

R.C. Adhikari

National Potato Research Programme, NARC, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

E-mail: rcadhikari7@gmail.com

TPS offers an alternative technology of crop production for the regions where resource poor farmers cannot have quality planting material at a reasonable cost. There are several advantages of using TPS for potato production including the low cost of true seed compared to seed tubers. A field study was carried out at Khumaltar, Lalitpur (1360 masl), during 2002 to 2006 to evaluate and compare the different generations (F1C0-F1C4) tubers of seven hybrid true potato seed (TPS) families namely Atzimba × TPS 67, LT 8 × TPS 13, LT 8 × TPS 67, MF I × TPS 67, MF II × TPS 67, Serana × TPS 13, Serana × TPS 67 including two check varieties i.e. Désirée and Khumal Seto-1 of 20–40 g sizes. The experiments were layout in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the nursery bed tuber yield produced by MF I × TPS 67 (6.3 kg m-2) was higher than for the other tested families. Atzimba × TPS 67 produced significantly more tubers (721 per m2). All the F1C1 TPS tuberlets—with a yield range from 33.0 t ha-1 to 39.9 t ha-1—produced significantly higher yields than Désirée (23.5 t ha-1) and higher or at par yields as compared to Khumal Seto-1 (38.2 t ha-1). All the tested TPS families except Atzimba × TPS 67 (15.5 t ha-1, 21.5 t ha-1 and 16.9 t ha-1 in F1C2, F1C3 and F1C4, respectively) produced significantly higher yields as compared to Désirée (16.4 t ha-1, 23.4 t ha-1, 19.7 t ha-1 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively) and higher or at par yields compared with Khumal Seto-1 in 2004 (24.8 t ha-1), 2005 (29.1 t ha-1) and 2006 (28.3 t ha-1). The study showed that all the tested TPS families could be used for commercial potato production up to F1C4 generations in the Kathmandu valley and other similar agro-climatic areas.

Evaluation of Hybrid True Potato Seed Families in Nepal

R.C. Adhikari

National Potato Research Programme, NARC, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

E-mail: rcadhikari7@gmail.com

The major constraints for potato production in Nepal are the poor quality and high cost of seed tubers and occurrence of the late blight disease due to which the resource poor farmers are using degenerated seed potatoes of local varieties as propagating material. The most successful and widely adoptable methodology in TPS has been the use of seedling tubers for raising commercial crops. Nineteen hybrid true potato seed (TPS) families were evaluated and compared with a recommended family, i.e. HPS II/67, to assess the performance of hybrid TPS families for seedling tubers production in nursery beds and commercial potato production under field conditions of mid hill during 2008 and 2009. The families were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on late blight infection, tuber size and total tuber weight were recorded for performance evaluation. Late blight infection was not seen up to 75 DAP. The seedling tuber weight produced by the TPS family C96H 02.7 × TPS 67 (3.70 kg m−2) was significantly higher than for the other tested families. The family CIP 986003 produced the highest number of tubers (588 per m2). In commercial crops, F1C1 tuberlets of C96H13.29 × TPS13 produced the highest tuber yield (32.37 t ha−1) followed by MFI × C95LB 13.2 (31.93 t ha−1) as compared to standard clonal varieties Kufri Jyoti (14.67 t ha−1) and Janak Dev (17.80 t ha−1). Based on overall performance, the results suggest that all the tested hybrid TPS families produced higher tuber yields as compared to standard clonal varieties.

Growth and Yield Performance of Different Sized Seed Tubers Derived from True Potato Seed (TPS) in Contrasting Environments in Turkey

M.E. Çalışkan1, N. Kusman2 and S. Çalışkan1

1 Department of Field Crops, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey; 2 GÖMEÇ Zirai Ürünler Üretim İthalat İhracat AŞ., Ankara, Turkey

E-mail: caliskanme@gmail.com

This study was conducted to determine the possibilities of using true potato seed (TPS) technology for ware potato production in Turkey during 2003–2004. The field experiments were conducted in two contrasting locations, which represented the temperate main crop potato production area (Nevşehir location) and the Mediterranean-type early potato production area (Hatay location) in Turkey. Two separate two-years field experiments were conducted at the experimental locations using seed tubers of different sizes produced under field conditions by transplanting seedlings from six hybrid TPS cultivars (BSS-294, BSS-295, BSS-296, BSS-297, BSS-340 and BSS-341) in the previous year. The compared seed sizes were <10 g, 10–20 g, 20–30 g, >30 g in Experiment 1, and <28 mm, 28–35 mm, 35–45 mm and >45 mm in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, the mean tuber yields were 11.78 t ha-1 and 9.21 t ha-1 in Hatay, and 33.93 t ha-1 and 27.15 t ha-1 in Nevşehir in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In Experiment 2, conducted with bigger size tubers, the mean tuber yield values were 20.28 t ha-1 and 13.27 t ha-1 in Hatay, and 42.71 t ha-1 and 32.36 t ha-1 in Nevşehir in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In both experiments, tuber yields increased with increasing seed tuber size. Based on the results of two years of experiments, it was concluded that TPS technology can be used in potato production especially in main crop areas using seed tubers derived from seedlings.

Examining Selected Agronomic Characteristics of Potato Cultivars and their Relevance for Organic Farming Conditions

T. Haase, H. Schulz, E. Kölsch and J. Heß

Department of Organic Farming and Cropping, University of Kassel, Nordbahnhofstrasse 1, D-37213 Witzenhausen, Germany

E-mail: thaase@wiz.uni-kassel.de

Organic potato cultivation in Western Europe is predominantly nitrogen-limited and defoliation of the crop canopy caused by late blight (Phytophthora infestans) may further reduce tuber yield. The aim was to find cultivars that are both able (a) to use the available nitrogen as efficiently as possible and (b) to be relatively tolerant to late blight. Another objective of the study was to examine a range of methods available to (c) assess crop nitrogen status and describe characteristics of canopy architecture. Results from the first year (2009) indicate that even at the same N supply cultivars from a range of maturity groups can be differentiated in terms of their genotype-specific chlorophyll and leaf N concentration. Data show that the risk of nitrate losses due to leaching after harvest may be aggravated by the fact that some cultivars take up marked amounts of N, but translocate relatively little into the tuber. Overall, first year results on crop N status and tuber growth duration indicate that an earlier harvest of tubers than usual practice may be suggested, to allow subsequent crops to catch the residual mineral N.

Effects of Different Organic Production Systems on Growth and Yield of Potato

S. Çalışkan and M.E. Çalışkan

Department of Field Crops, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey

E-mail: scaliskan@mku.edu.tr

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different management systems on growth and yield of conventionally and organically grown potato under Amik plain conditions in Hatay province in 2007 and 2008. The effects of seven different management systems (T1: Conventional, T2: Green manure + farmyard manure, T3: Green manure + commercial organic fertilizer, T4: Green manure, T5: Farmyard manure, T6: Commercial organic fertilizer, T7: Zero input) on growth and yield performance of potato (cv. Agria) were evaluated. Common vetch (Vicia sativa) was sown and incorporated into the soil at flowering stage as green manure. Composted cattle manure was applied at dose of 30 t ha-1 to the plots before sowing as farmyard manure. As commercial organic fertilizer, the Efficient Microorganism Complex (EM™) was applied. Plant height (cm), number of stems per plant, number of tubers per plant, mean tuber weight (g/plant), dry-matter content (%), protein content (%) and tuber yield (t ha−1) were determined. It was found that the conventional production system produced the highest tuber weight in both years (43.8 t ha−1 and 33.3 t ha−1, respectively). The highest tuber yield among the different organic production systems was obtained from green manure + farmyard manure.

Preliminary Results Concerning the Ecological Crop Module in the Frame of NRDIPSB Brasov, Romania

V. Donescu, S. Chiru, Gh. Olteanu, E. Sigmond, M. Hermeziu, D. Donescu, E.L. Asanache and V. Badea

National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet, INCDCSZ Fundaturii 2 Str. Brasov, Romania,

E-mail: donev@potato.ro

An agro-ecological module was established on 24 ha with the aim to obtain products and seed material that were ecologically certified. In the first year, ecological conversion of the land was done and the first crops were started. In the second year, first seed potato and seeds of the other crops from the module were obtained. In the third year, new crops were established from eco-certified planting material and prospects for turning to accountable eco products were created. Ecological technologies for fertilization, pests and disease control were applied on potato and other crops in the potato crop rotation (phacelia, triticale, maize).

Application of Stable Isotopes and Volatile Compounds Analysis for the Evaluation of Geographical Origin of Italian Potato

F. Longobardi1, L. Tedone2 , G. Casiello1, D. Sacco 1, F. De Cillis3, G. De Mastro2 and A. Sacco1

1 Dept. of Chemistry, Bari University “A. Moro”, Street Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; 2 Dept. of Scienze delle Produzioni Vegetali, Bari University “A. Moro”, Street Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; 3 Research Center Bonomo, Andria (BA)

E-mail: luigi.tedone@agr.uniba.it

The presence of typical products is an important economical resource in Italy, and this requires more studies on methods capable of determining the origin of products. We report on research on the application of two methods [isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry using Solid Phase Micro-Extraction headspace (HS-SPME/GC-MS)] in combination with statistical techniques to predict the geographical origin of potatoes grown in three different Italian regions: Sicily, Apulia and Tuscany. The application of statistical analysis (Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA)), on the analytical data obtained showed a capacity rating of 100%, to well define the samples on the basis of the origin the samples come from. These results suggest the possibility to well define the geographical origin of the potato, using isotopic ratio and volatile compounds, as an alternative of those techniques suggested by other authors (including sensorial analysis, trace metal analysis).

Evaluation of Specialty Potato Varieties Growing in Czechia

J. Vacek1, K. Hamouz2, K. Hejtmankova2 and D. Simkova1

1 Potato Research Institute, Dobrovskeho 2366, 58001 Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic; 2 Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21 Praha 6—Suchdol, Czech

E-mail: vacek@vubhb.cz

Specialty varieties are grown for their specific culinary characteristics and, more recently, for health benefits. Especially the potato tubers containing higher amounts of anthocyanins in their flesh are considered an excellent source of natural antioxidants. Five blue-fleshed, four red-fleshed and one yellow-fleshed variety and a reference yellow-fleshed variety (Agria) were grown at two different sites (Valecov—a highland, seed potatoes area at 460 m a.s.l., Prerov nad Labem—a lowland, new potatoes area at 178 m a.s.l.) in 2009. Total tuber yield, market-size yield and glycoalkaloid content in tubers were determined at maturity. In addition, five selected varieties (Agria, Rote Emma, Blaue St. Galler, Highland Burgundy Red and Vitelotte) were investigated for reducing sugars (RS) accumulation during storage at seed storage regime (3 to 5 °C). Higher total and market-size yields and lower glycoalkaloid contents were found, on average over all varieties, in Valecov. The highest market-size yield at both sites was observed for the reference variety Agria, followed in Valecov by Rote Emma (49.42 t ha−1), Blue Congo (46.78 t ha−1) and Blaue Elise (46.54 t ha−1) and in Prerov nad Labem by Blaue St. Galler (44.90 t ha−1) and Blue Congo (42.57 t ha−1). The total glycoalkaloid content (TGA) ranged in Prerov nad Labem between 43.50 mg kg−1 fresh weight (FW) and 122.25 mg kg−1 FW, in Valecov between 20.75 mg kg−1 FW and 60.75 mg kg−1 FW. Vitelotte and Highland Burgundy Red accumulated similar or smaller RS amounts during storage, compared to Agria.

Physical Properties of Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Tubers

Y.B. Yurtlu1, E. Yesiloğlu1 and F. Arslanoğlu2

1 Department of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139 Kurupelit, Samsun Turkey; 2 Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey

E-mail: yurtlu@omu.edu.tr

The physical properties of three potato varieties (Agria, Innavator and Lady Claire) were determined in terms of length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, true density, bulk density, porosity, and angle of repose. All properties of three potato varieties that provide useful data to engineers in equipment design and post-harvest technology for the potato tubers varieties were generally found to be statistically different. These differences could be due to the individual characteristic of these varieties, environmental and growth conditions.

New Aspects of Climatic Changes in Central Area of Romania

Gh. Olteanu1, M. Buiuc2, I. Puiu1 and C. Aldea3

1 National Institute Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet (INCDCSZ) Brasov; 2 Lucian Blaga University from Sibiu; 3 University Transilvania from Brasov, Romania

E-mail: olgeo@potato.ro

Potato is one of the most important crops, presenting a large ecological plasticity, and being cultivated in all zones in Romania. In the last period the potato in Romania is confronted with some problems linked to climatic and social changes (dramatic reduction in area, diminishing of resources, lower quality of planting material). The paper presents a multiyear study regarding the climatic changes in Brasov area (centre of Romania) and their implications for the potato crop. For a period of around 100 years (1910–2009) the variation and the trend in the hydrothermal index were calculated. This index takes into consideration the rainfall during the winter and the coefficient of soil retention, the rainfall quantity and the temperature sum (>0.0 °C) during the vegetation period. This index is better correlated with the performance of potato crop than the temperature and rainfall. A range of the hydrothermal index between 2 and 3 represents an optimum for the potato crop (it does not require irrigation). In Brasov area, in the studied interval, the hydrothermal index decreased regularly from 2.55 to 1.25 in the last 15–20 years making supplementary water by irrigation necessary in order to have a profitable crop potato.

The Influence of Some Ecological Factors upon Potato Tuberization

G. Morar and C.M. Moldovan

The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, the Faculty of Agriculture, Calea Manastur, No.3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

E-mail: gmorar@usamvcluj.ro

For Romanian geographical location, astronomical calculations indicate short days, under 14 h, only in March and potato tuberisation generally takes place during periods with 15 hours of light, between 15 and 25 May, periods which do not correspond with the short days (12–14 hours) during tuberisation in Northern European countries: Netherlands, Denmark, England. Research was carried out on the influence of photoperiod on the number of stolons and the number of tubers per plant in two early varieties and two middle-late varieties. Some of these varieties had only a few, large tubers (Ostara, Laura), while other varieties had more tubers of medium size (Impala, Redsec). Observations were made in three locations: under artificial conditions (tuberisation in short days), in the experimental field (tuberisation in long days), and on a mountain (tuberisation in long days to short days).

The Effect of Nitrogenous Fertilizer Forms Applied at Different Times and in Different Amounts on the Yield and Yield Components in Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

E. Öztürk1, K. Kara1, T. Polat1 and Z. Kavurmacı2

1 Ataturk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, Erzurum 25240, Turkey; 2 Bingol University, Fac. of Agriculture, Dept. of Field Crops, Bingöl 12000, Turkey

E-mail: kara@atauni.edu.tr

This study was carried out between 2000 and 2001 and aimed at determining the effect of different nitrogen fertilizer forms applied at different times and in different amounts on the yield and yield components in potato. In the experiment, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea were considered and these fertilizer forms were applied before sowing, at the first hoeing and at earthing up. The experimental design, including three nitrogen forms and 11 application times, was a split-plot, randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant height, stem numbers per plant, tuber numbers per hill, tuber yield per hill, and total tuber yield per ha were determined. The results indicated that both nitrogen fertilizer application time and amount significantly affected all parameters, except for the plant height, while nitrogen fertilizer form did not affect parameters. It was found that all of the nitrogen fertilizers should be given only once and before planting in the form of ammonium sulphate.

The Effect of Chemical Fertilizers Applied at Different Times and in Different Amounts on the Quality of Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

E. Öztürk1, K. Kara1, T. Polat1 and Z. Kavurmacı2

1 Ataturk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, Erzurum 25240, Turkey; 2 Bingol University, Fac. of Agriculture, Dept. of Field Crops, Bingöl 12000, Turkey

E-mail: kara@atauni.edu.tr

N fertilizer has a substantial effect on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber yield and quality. Therefore, a two-year study was conducted to determine the effects of the application of nitrogenous fertilizers at different times and in different amounts on the yield and yield components of potato at high elevations. In the experiment, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, and urea were taken as nitrogen forms. These fertilizer forms were applied in different amounts and the quantities were split into three different times: before planting, at the first hoeing and at earthing up. The experimental design, with three nitrogen forms and 11 application regimes, was a split-plot, randomized complete block design with three replications. In the study specific gravity, dry matter content, starch and protein contents, crisp yield of tubers and oil absorption rate of crisps were assessed. It was found in the study that the time and amount of the nitrogen fertilizers significantly affected all the properties mentioned above, except for the oil absorption rate of crisps, whereas nitrogen fertilizer form had no effect on the characteristics other than protein amount. It was recommended that two-thirds of the nitrogen fertilizer should be applied treated before sowing, one-third of it be should applied at first hoeing and in the form of ammonium sulphate.

The Possibility of Selecting Potato Varieties for Resistance/Tolerance to Thermohydric Stress

A. Diaconu1, Gh. Olteanu2, M. Ianosi2, I. Puiu2, D. Karácsonyi2, M. Ploae1 and M. Dima1

1 Research and Development Station for Plant Cropping on Sandy Soil (SCDCPN),

Dabuleni, Dolj, Romania; 2 National Institute Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet (INCDCSZ), Brasov, Romania

E-mail: ccdcpndabuleni@yahoo.com

The recent major climate changes, including those in the wet area of Romania which is the traditional region for potato production, require a new strategy to select varieties that are suitable for cultivation. The selection under normal conditions of varieties that are resistant/tolerant to drought is complicated and not sure. This paper presents our trials to associate resistance or tolerance to drought of potato varieties with their physiological and biochemical characteristics. We tested 14 varieties in the Brasov area (traditional wet area, cambic chernozem soil). We measured the dynamic physiological indices of the crop (photosynthesis, transpiration rates). These measurements were used for statistical analysis to group the varieties based on their stress reaction.

Diurnal Variation of Physiological Indices under the Influence of Thermohydric Stresses to Potato Crops on Sandy Soils in South Romania

A. Diaconu1, M. Ploae1, M. Dima1, Gh. Olteanu2 and I. Puiu2

1 Research and Development Station for Plant Cropping on Sandy Soil (SCDCPN),

Dabuleni, Dolj, Romania; 2 National Institute Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet (INCDCSZ), Brasov, Romania

E-mail: ccdcpndabuleni@yahoo.com

Plant reaction to thermohydric stress is an indicator for stress resistance/tolerance of potato varieties. The importance of knowledge on this indicator increased lately because of the climatic changes occurring in Romania. This paper presents research on sandy soil in south Romania on potato varieties Tampa, Dacia and Luiza, cultivated under different irrigation schemes with a range of 50% to 80% of available soil moisture content (or Active Humidity Range—AHR). The determinations were performed in a dynamic way, within 2 h from 8 a.m. to 16 p.m. During the vegetation period we registered photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, photosynthetically active radiation and temperature. Varieties of potato responded differently when stress was imposed influencing physiological indices. Tuber yields were between 29.2–36.0 t ha-1 for plants irrigated at 80% of AHR compared with a range of 20.8–23.3 t ha-1 for plants irrigated at 50% of AHR.

The Determination of Yield Performance of Some Potato Varieties in Mediterranean Climate Conditions

H. Arıoğlu1, C. Kurt1, L. Güllüoğlu2, B. Zaimoğlu3 and H. Onaran4

1 University of Cukurova, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Department, Adana; 2 University of Cukurova, Ceyhan Vocational School, Ceyhan, Adana; 3 University of Cukurova, Kozan Vocational School, Kozan, Adana; 4 Nigde Potato Research Institute, Niğde

E-mail: halis@cu.edu.tr

This study was carried out to determine which potato cultivars can be grown during the winter period under the Mediterranean climatic conditions. The study was carried out in Adana (Turkey) in 2008. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Twenty one potato varieties belonging to different maturity groups taken from the Nigde Potato Research Institute were grown in the trial. We assessed tuber number per hill, average tuber weight, marketable tuber yield, tuber yield per hill and tuber yield per hectare. The highest tuber yield per hectare was obtained from cultivars Almera, Safran and Florice. These can be grown in the winter season in the Mediterranean climate condition of Turkey.

Morphological Characterization of the Local Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Ecotypes Collected from High-altitude Producing Areas of the Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey

F. Arslanoğlu, S. Aytaç, E. K. Öner and S. Uğur

Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Kurupelit, Samsun/ Turkey

E-mail: farslanoglu@gmail.com

In this study, 60 villages were selected and a total of 146 potato tuber samples taken according to a stratified sampling system. These genotypes were collected from production areas at high altitudes of the province of Artvin (41o 10′ 54″–40o 49′ 09″ N and 42o 21′ 49″–41o 32′ 40″ E) and Rize (41o 02′ 43″–40o 46′ 50″ N and 41o 00′ 22″–40o 33′ 26″ E) located in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. The genotypes were grown under Samsun (41° 31′ N, 35° 35′ E) ecological condition in 2006. Some morphological characteristics of genotypes were described according to criteria developed for potato by The International Board for Plant Genetics Reseources (IPBGR). Cluster analysis was performed to determine relation among populations. Cluster analysis based on 15 variables identified 27 groups in the current study. A dendrogram was prepared to evaluate similarity between potato populations. All data obtained showed that the collected material has a rich variation. These evaluations could assist geneticists and breeders to identify populations with desirable characteristics for inclusions in variety breeding programmes.

Non-destructive Leaf Area Measurement in Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

F. Arslanoğlu and F. Öner

Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Agriculture Department of Field Crops 55139 Samsun Turkey

E-mail: farslanoglu@gmail.com

In this research, a leaf area prediction model was developed for some potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) ecotypes grown in the Black Sea region of Turkey. Lamina width, length and leaf area were measured without destroying the leaf to develop the models. The actual leaf areas of the plants were measured by digital planimeter and multiple regression analysis with Excel 2003 computer package program was performed for the plants separately. The produced leaf area prediction models in the present study were formulized as \( {\hbox{LA}} = {\hbox{a}} - \left( {{\hbox{b}} \times {{\hbox{W}}^{{2}}}} \right) + \left[ {{\hbox{c}} \times \left( {{\hbox{W}} \times {\hbox{L}}} \right)} \right] \) where LA is leaf area, W is leaf width, L is leaf length and a, b, c are coefficients. R2 values for potato ecotypes tested varied from 0.99 to 0.58. All R² values and standard errors were found to be significant at the P < 0.001 level.

The Effects of Some Technologies on Production of Seed Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) under Field and Netted-greenhouse Conditions

E. Öztürk1, K. Kara1, T. Polat1 and Z. Kvurmacı2

1 Ataturk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, Erzurum 25240; 2 Bingol University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, Bingöl 12000, Turkey

E-mail: kara@atauni.edu.tr

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of some technologies on seed potato production under field and netted-greenhouse conditions in Erzurum in the years 2004–2005. Research was designed as a split-plot, randomized block design with three replicates and two production environments (field and netted-greenhouse), three propagation methods (stem-cutting, pre-sprouting and control) and two varieties (Agria and Marfona). According to the results the netted-greenhouse environment gave the highest yield per hectare and large tubers compared to control while it gave the lowest discard and seed tuber yield. The method with stem cuttings resulted in the highest yield of discarded tubers. Pre-sprouting gave the highest yield of big tubers and of seed tubers. The cultivar Agria in general had better agronomic characteristics than cultivar Marfona. As a result, production of seed potato should take place by pre-sprouting seed tubers and planting them under field conditions.

In Vitro Microtuber Production from Romanian Potato Varieties

N. Chiru1, A. Nistor1, D. Karacsonyi1, D. Donescu1, M. Ianosi1, C.L. Badarau1, D. Bodea2 and R.N. Chiru3

1 National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov, Romania; 2 Suceava Agricultural Research Station—Suceava, Romania; 3 University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine—Bucharest, Romania

E-mail: nicoleta.chiru@potato.ro

For some Romanian varieties and a local population (from Cluj area, with code number 143691) a protocol for induction of microtubers >10 mm and >950 mg has been developed. We used potato microplantlets which were disease free and in vitro propagated, to obtain uni-nodal segments used as initial explants to induce tuberization. Explants were placed in culture vessels containing Murashige-Skoog medium and growth regulators, specifically for every step of the tuberization process: growth of plantlets with roots and induction of tuberization. Cultures were kept in light for three weeks; then, after adding 45 ml tuberization medium per vessel, were transferred to a climate chamber in the dark, with controlled temperature and humidity conditions. In these culture conditions, quality of microtubers could be improved both in terms of number (3/plantlet), size (10 mm) and weight (950 mg), allowing the production of microtubers of larger size and higher quality.

Studies Regarding the Improvement of Methods used for Virus Identification in Potato Seed Indexation

C.L. Bădărău, S.C. Chiru, N. Cojocaru, M. Ianoşi and N. Chiru

1 National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov, 2 Fundaturii, 500470 Brasov, Romania

E-mail: carmen_badarau@yahoo.com

Obtaining high-quality potato seed requires the continuous improvement of techniques to identify pathogens. The goal of this research was to examine and evaluate the effects of several modifications of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique on the detection of potato viruses Y, A, X, S and potato leafroll virus. These modifications consisted of: the use of sap extracted directly from the tubers, modification of the incubation modality of conjugate, the use of several additives in extraction and conjugate buffers, replacement of grinding buffer by McIlvain buffer. The results show a better virus identification in sprouting tubers using the co-incubation sample and IgG-AP conjugate. Using sap from sprouting tubers (dilution 1/10) the average values of OD at 405 nm were 1.5 times higher. The detection of Potato virus Y (PVY) and A (PVA) by ELISA can be improved using extraction buffers with new composition. Using McIlvain’s phosphate-citric acid buffer (0.18 M; pH 7), the absorbance values (A405nm) increased significantly for PVY and PVA detection compared with the classic extraction buffer. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (0.01 M) in phosphate-buffered saline plus Tween 20 used instead of the polyvinylpyrrolidone increased the sensitivity to PVY. Presence of proteins in conjugate buffer improved safety of virus identification. Food gelatin in combination with Congo Red was more efficient than the bovine serum albumine (BSA) for PVY and Potato leaf roll virus identification. The use of new equipement, the use of McIlvain’s buffer and gelatin food could save time and costs of potato seed indexation.