Performance of Potato Varieties for Growth, Yield, Quality and Economics under Different Levels of Nitrogen

Aims: This experiment was conducted to study the performance of different varieties of potato under various nitrogen levels for growth, yield and quality as well as their economics.

Study Design: Sixteen treatment combinations comprising of four varieties (V1-Kufri Jyoti, V2-Kufri Chipsona-2, V3-Kufri Chipsona-1 and V4-Kufri Pushkar) and four nitrogen doses (N1-100 kg/ha, N2-125 kg/ha, N3-150 kg/ha and N4-175 kg/ha). The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted at research field, Department of Vegetable Science College of Horticulture, Mandsaur during rabi season 2010-11.

Methodology: The healthy, uniform size tubers were planted at a spacing of 60×20 cm on 21 October, 2010. Phosphorus (P2O5 80 kg/ha), potassium (K2O 100 kg/ha) and different doses of nitrogen (as per treatment) were provided through Urea, DAP and Muriate of Potash. Full dose of phosphorus, potash and half dose of nitrogen were applied as basal in furrows at the time of planting. While the remaining quantity of nitrogen was applied in two split doses, 1st at first earthing-up and 2nd at second earthing-up (25 and 45 days after planting, respectively). Thereafter recommended package of practices were followed to raise the healthy crop. The crop was harvested on 15 February, 2011.

Results: The findings of present study revealed that among the varieties, Kufri Pushkar recorded maximum yield showing its superior performance over other varieties. With respect to quality attributes, variety Kufri Chipsona-2 exhibited high dry matter content, high starch content and low reducing sugar content which are the desired attributes for processing. Variety Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Jyoti were next to Kufri Chipsona-2. Among the different doses of nitrogen, application of 150 kg N/ha resulted in maximum growth and yield attributes as well as total yield. It has also exhibited better quality parameters except reducing sugar. Combined effect of varieties and nitrogen levels showed highest economic return under application of 150 kg N/ha with variety Kufri Pushkar.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that combination of potato variety Kufri Pushkar along with application of nitrogen 150 kg/ha had proved to be superior over other combinations for growth, yield and economic returns.