Effects of planting date and growth environment on production of seed tubers from true potato seed (TPS)

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of planting date and growth environment on the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seed tubers from true potato seed (TPS) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria in the year 2019. A completely randomised design was used, consisting of three planting dates (May 10, May 25, June 9, 2019) and three growth environments (shaded field, open field and greenhouse), giving a total of nine treatment combinations in three replicates. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using the statistical software SAS, 9.0 version. The means were separated using the least significant difference. The results showed that planting date had significant (p<0.05) effect on mean establishment count, number of leaves at all sampling dates except at 104, 118 and 146 days after planting (DAP); plant height at all sampling dates except at 62, 118 and 132 DAP; mean number and weight of tubers at harvest. Growth environment had significant (p<0.05) effect on mean number of leaves produced at 132 to 174 DAP; plant height at all sampling dates except at 62 and 132 DAP, mean number and weight of tubers at harvest. Interaction of planting dates and growth environment was significant on mean plant height at 132 to 174 DAP. It is concluded that early planting, shading and open growth environment enhanced seed tuber production from true potato seed.