Effect of various phosphorus and calcium concentrations on potato seed tuber production

ABSTRACT

Although the effects caused in plants by the calcium (Ca)–phosphorus (P) interaction in calcareous soils are well documented, very few studies report on such effects in nutritive solutions or hydroponic cultivation. In a sand and perlite (1:1 volume) hydroponic system, effects of various P (21, 42, and 63 ppm) and Ca (120, 180, and 240 ppm) concentrations on potato tuberization were studied. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. For maximum tuber yield and tuber number production, 21 and 42 ppm P was sufficient, respectively. Increase in P and Ca concentrations in nutrient solutions in early growing season resulted in an increase in shoot and root weight, leaf area, and shoot length linearly, but tuber yield and tuber number did not follow this trend. The maximum tuber specific gravity and total solid percent were also observed in 42 ppm P. The highest tuber number and tuber yield were observed in 120 ppm Ca concentration.

KEYWORDS:

• calcium
• fertilizers
• greenhouse crops
• phosphorus
• plant physiology
• potato
• yield

Notes

¹ The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

² Microgram/gram.

³ Parts per million.

⁴ Microgram phosphorus/milliliter.

⁵ Cation Exchange Capacity.

⁶ Hour.

⁷ Degrees Celsius.

⁸ Inositol trisphosphate.

⁹ Cytosolic.