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Chlorophyll Meter for the Evaluation of Potato N Status

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Abstract

Here, we propose a new approach to determine the level of plant N nutrition, based on the relationship between chlorophyll meter (CM) readings and total biomass in potato plants. The objectives of this work were i) to determine the critical curve CM (CMc) readings; ii) to establish the relationship between N nutrition index of CM (NNICM), and relative tuber yields (RY), and iii) to establish the crop N required (NR). The experiments were carried out during four growing seasons. The cultivar Innovator was planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications and four N treatments (N0, N1, N2 y N3) to cover the range from deficient through surplus N. The CM reading was assessed with the Minolta SPAD 502 at different times during each growing season. The NNICM was determined as the ratio between the actual CM reading (CMa) and the CMc. The NR was determined as the difference between actual N uptake and the critical N uptake, divided the N utilization efficiency. The CMc for cultivar innovator was determined [CMc = 51.4 W (Mg ha_1)−0.13; R2 = 0.83]. The NNICM ranged from 0.78 to 1.17. The relation between RY and NNICM was expressed as a linear-plateau function. For NNICM ≥0.9, the RY was near 98.0 %, whereas for NNICM below 0.9, the RY decreased [RY = 7.73 + 100.0 NNICM; R2 = 0.55]. The relationship between the observed N uptake and the estimated N uptake values showed positive significant associations (p < 0.0001). We conclude that the CM reading can be used as an easy and fast tool to predict NR in potato plants under field conditions during the vegetative growth period.

Resumen

Este trabajo presenta un nuevo enfoque para determinar el estatus de N en papa, en la que se propone utilizar la relación entre el índice verde (IV) y la biomasa total. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: i) determinar el índice verde crítico (IVc); ii) establecer la relación entre el índice de nutrición de nitrógeno (INNIV) y el rendimiento relativo de los tubérculos (RR); iii) establecer el N requerido por el cultivo (RN). Los experimentos se llevaron a cabo durante cuatro temporadas. Se utilizó el cultivar Innovador plantado en un diseño en bloques completo y aleatorizado con tres repeticiones y cuatro tratamientos N. El IV se determinó con el Minolta SPAD 502 en diferentes momentos durante cada temporada de crecimiento. Se determinó el IVc [IVc = 51,4 W (Mg ha−1)−0.13; R2 = 0,83]. El INNIV varió entre 0,78 a 1,17. La relación entre el RR y el INNIV fue expresada por una función lineal-plateau. Para un INNIV ≥0,9 el RR fue alrededor del 98,0 %. Con INNIV menores a 0,9, el RR disminuye [RR = 7,73 + 100,0 INNIV; R2 = 0,55]. La relación entre la cantidad de N en planta estimada y la observada mostró una estrecha asociación lineal (p < 0,0001). Se concluye que el IV puede ser utilizado como una herramienta fácil y rápida para predecir RN en plantas de papa bajo condiciones de campo durante el periodo de crecimiento vegetativo.

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Acknowledgments

This work is part of a thesis submitted by Claudia Giletto in partial fulfilment for the requirements for the PhD degree of the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. This study was supported by the INTA project AERN 295561 and FCA-UNMPAGR319/10.

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  1. Unidad Integrada FCA UNMdP-INTA, Balcarce, Ruta 226 km 73,5, CC 276, B7620EMA, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Claudia M. Giletto & Hernán E. Echeverría

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  1. Claudia M. Giletto
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  2. Hernán E. Echeverría
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Correspondence to Claudia M. Giletto.

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Giletto, C.M., Echeverría, H.E. Chlorophyll Meter for the Evaluation of Potato N Status. Am. J. Potato Res. 90, 313–323 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-013-9306-3

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