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An approach to determining optimum tuber planting densities in early potato varieties

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

D. C. E. Wurr ,
J. R. Fellows  and
E. J. Allen
D. C. E. Wurr
Affiliation:
Horticulture Research International, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK
J. R. Fellows
Affiliation:
Horticulture Research International, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK
E. J. Allen
Affiliation:
Cambridge University Farm, Huntingdon Road, Girton, Cambridge CB3 0LH
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Summary

Thirteen experiments conducted near Tenby, Dyfed, between 1973 and 1980, examined the effects of seed-tuber weight and within-row spacing on tuber yields of seven potato varieties grown for early production. These data have been used in an attempt to develop an approach to the determination of optimum tuber planting densities in early crops which will provide agronomists with logically applicable principles. Tuber planting densities, which maximized the net crop return (ware value minus seed cost), were estimated for eight ratios of seed cost to ware value ranging from 0·25 to 8·0. Optimum tuber planting densities decreased with the use of higher ratios of seed cost: ware value and heavier seed, except for ratios of 0·25 and 0·50 applied to yields of tubers > 25 mm harvested in June. In general, later harvesting together with the use of larger riddle sizes give a lower optimum density with ratios < 2·2·0. Optimum densities for Red Craigs Royal, Ulster Sceptre and Vanessa were higher than for the other varieties.

The results provide an illustration of how to approach the problem of selecting tuber planting densities in order to maximize net crop returns in early potato varieties.

Type
Crops and Soils
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 120 , Issue 1 , February 1993 , pp. 63 - 70
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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References

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