Effect of spacing and seedling tuber size on potato (Solanum tuberosum) grown through true potato seed

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabg seasons of 1996-97 and 1997-98 on clayey soil at Parbhani, to find out suitable and economical combination of inter- and intra-row spacing with seedling tuber size of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Significant increase in the tuber yields was recorded due to spacing of 45 cm. The intra-row spacing of 10 crn was at par with 15 cm, but was significantly superior to 20 cm plant spacing. The tuber yield increased with the increase in seedling tuber size. Significantly highest tuber yield was recorded by large seedling tuber size of 11-15 g over 1-5 g and 6-10 g sizes. Similarly, 6-10 g seedling tuber size was signifi- cantly superior to 1-5 g size. The interactive effect of 15 cm plant spacing and tuber size of 11-15 g was signifi- cantly the highest during 1996-97, while a tuber yield of 36.13 qlha under medium grade (20-50 g) was acconted by the treatment combinations of 15 crn plant spacing with 11-15 g seedling tuber size under 45 cm row spacing during 1996-97. The net returns and benefit : cost ratio, plant spacing of 15 cm was found advantageous over 10 and 20 cm, whereas row spacing was equally effective and seedling tuber sizes in respect of net returns were equally effective. Benefit :cost ratio decreased as the seedling tuber size increased from 1 to 15 g.