Influence of gibberellic acid (GA₃) applied to the crop on growth, yield and tuber size distribution of seed potatoes.

Abstract

In field trials in the Netherlands in 1982-86, seed potato cv. Jaerla (1982-86), Ostara, Spunta and Alpha (1986 only) crops were given 50 or 100 g GA3/ha foliar-applied at different growth stages. GA3 applied before the beginning of tuberization promoted stem elongation and stolon growth and slightly retarded tuber initiation. In general GA3 application (especially during stolon growth/onset of tuber initiation) increased the number of 28-45 mm sized tubers. The high GA3 rate produced long, curved tubers. Effects of GA3 differed slightly between cultivars. GA3 stimulated flowering especially with cv. Spunta. There were no negative after-effects of GA3 on growth and yield of progeny. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)