Effects of deficit irrigation on the potato tuber development and quality

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of deficit irrigation on tuber growth and quality of potato (Solanumtuberosum L.). Certified seeds of potato variety “Agria” were used as study material. Irrigation treatments was consistedof one irrigation interval (5 days) and five different levels (I , I , I , I , I ) of soil water deficit measured before 100 85 70 55 40irrigations. First irrigation was applied by drip irrigation up to field capacity the soil water content in 0-60 cm depth in alltreatments. Subsequent irrigations were applied according to the treatments.The irrigation water and evapotranspiration (ET) values of treatments ranged from 243.0 to 311.9.4 mm and from 337.1to 385.9 mm in the first year, respectively, and from 166.7 to 223.2 mm and from 204.0 to 255.7 mm in the second year,respectively. Yields varied from 30.85 to 47.13 t/ha in the first year and from 28.77 to 44.45 t/ha in the second year. Theyields were decreased based on water deficit levels. The highest yields were obtained from I treatment. 100The results have indicated that water restriction had a significant effect on yield, single tuber weight, percentage ofmarketable tuber, plant length, mean tuber length, mean tuber diameter and percentage of tuber peeling. The results wereshowing that the I treatment in especially was of the most importance for the highest percentage marketable tuber and 100tuber yield obtained per unit water applied. Therefore, the I treatment can be recommended for potato cultivation under 100similar climatic and soil conditions.