Growth and Yield of Two Potato Cultivars as Affected by Irrigation and Fertilization under Libyan Conditions

Abstract

A field-plot experiment was conducted at the University of Tripoli in 1973 to test the effect of both irrigation and fertilization on the growth and yield of two potato cultivars Up-To-Date and Arran Banner. Sprinkler irrigation was applied after sprout emergence at three matric potential — 15. —25 and —35 Joules/kg. Fertilization included application of 12-24-12 fertilizer at 4 rates 0, 200, 400 and 600 kg/hectar. Both vegetative and yield characters were tested.
Results showed that growth measured as weight of shoots, and number of aerial stems per plot, and yield measured as weight and number of tubers per plot increased by fertilizer application. This held true in both cultivars tested.
Irrigation at relatively high suction (low matric potential) resulted in lowering the growth as well as the yield of potatoes.
Both the growth and yield of the Up-To-Date cultivar were better than those of Arran Banner.