Evaluation of chitting to enhance earliness of potatoes grown in southern Ontario

Abstract

Potato cultivars Atlantic, Conestoga, Jemseg, Superior and Yukon Gold, grown for early markets and mid-season use in Ontario were evaluated for response to chitting in 1987 to 1989. Seed tubers were chitted at 8 °C commencing in January, for an average of 408, 284 or 172 degree-days (base 4 °C). Controls were stored at 4 °C. Plants emerged quicker from chitted seed and produced higher early yields than the controls. Approximately 260 degree-days of chitting was optimal for early yield of Jemseg and Superior. For maximum emergence, 318 degree-days was required for Jemseg. Commencing chitting before March did not increase yields for the other cultivars. Low degree-day requirements are likely the result of cold storage of seed prior to chitting, resulting in more rapid accumulation of degree-days and/or lower base temperatures for growth. Key words:Solarium tuberosum, cultivars, emergence, yield, physiological age