Responsiveness of new potato varieties to thickening plantings

Abstract

Relevanse. A significant influence on the processes of growth, plant development and accumulation of tubers of potato varieties is a scientifically based and rational planting density, which allows the fullest use of the factors of light, air and mineral nutrition available in the field. The establishment of optimal planting density for new zoned potato varieties should be considered in close connection with other agricultural practices, as well as taking into account the purpose of growing products in specific soil and climatic conditions.Methodology. The research was conducted in 2018–2020 at the experimental base "Korenevo" of the Russian Potato Research Centre (Moscow region). The aim of research was to determine the optimal planting density for the new potato varieties of domestic selection: Gulliver (early), Azart (medium early) and Grand (medium ripe). Three planting densities were studied – 44 thousand tubers/ha (control); 50 and 56 thousand tubers/ha. Planting was carried out on May 4-6 with local application of mineral fertilizers at a dose of N90P90K135 two strings per ridge.Results. It was revealed that with the increase of planting density by 6 and 12 thousand tubers per 1 ha, the height of plants raised by 2-4 cm, depending on the variety on average over 3 years. The weight of the tops and the assimilation surface area of leaves increased, respectively, by 1.0-4.4 t/ha and 1.1-3.4 thousand m2/ha. The number of stems and tubers decreased, respectively, by 0.2-0.7 and 0.6-1.0 per bush. Increase of harvest due to higher plant density for the cultivar Gulliver was 2,2 and 3,1 t/ha, or up to 7,3%; for the Azart variety 2,8 and 3,3 t/ha, or up to 8,7%; for Grand variety 1,9-2,6 t/ha, or up to 7,8%, compared to control variant.