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The physiological basis for mixing varieties and seed ‘ages’ in potato crops

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

Lindsay Burstall  and
P. M. Harris
Lindsay Burstall
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Reading University, Earley Gate, Reading, RO6 2AT
P. M. Harris
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Reading University, Earley Gate, Reading, RO6 2AT
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Summary

Three techniques designed to increase radiation interception, and thus yield, in potato crops by extending the duration of the crop canopy were investigated over a period of 2 years. These were: mixing contrasting varieties; mixing seed tubers of contrasting physiological ages of the same variety, and early planting with protection from frost.

The first technique was partially successful; increases in total tuber fresh weight of the mixture over either of its components grown alone were recorded but the mixtures generally did not have any advantage in terms of ware yield (40–80 mm tubers) and total yield advantages were found in only 1 year. The second technique was unsuccessful in both years with all seven varieties tested. The third technique was successful with the long-lived variety Cara; large advantages both in ware yield and total tuber dry weight yield were obtained under two irrigation regimes. No advantages from early planting were obtained with the shorter-lived variety King Edward.

Radiation interception was estimated for all treatments by means of relationships established between intercepted radiation and percentage ground cover. None of the three techniques increased radiation interception; the yield advantages obtained could be ascribed either to an increase in the proportion of assimilates allocated to tubers or possibly to improvements in the efficiency of use of intercepted radiation.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 106 , Issue 2 , April 1986 , pp. 411 - 418
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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