Optimizing seed potato production by aeroponics in China

Issue Date

4-2017

Abstract

Aeroponics is being enthusiastically adopted by many private companies and public institutions in China as a viable means to produce minitubers. A series of experiments were conducted, with two contrasting varieties: Chuanyu 117 and Mira, to help refine the techniques and to strive for greater productivity. Experiments were conducted at Chengdu, Sichuan during the spring season from February to June and the autumn season from late September to February. Large difference were observed between nutrient solutions tested. The cheapest MS based treatment with NH₄NO₃ as the nitrogen source yielded the highest tuber weight per unit area. Misting the nutrient solution for 30 sec every 10 min appears to be better than doing it at a 20-mim interval. For the variety Chuanyu 117, the 20-min interval had a dramatic negative effect in contrast to Mira which was minimally affected. Maximum tuber number per unit area was obtained with plant densities between 54 and 80 plants mˉ². Harvesting the tubers at 2-wk interval during the bulking period did significantly improved yields of Chuangyu 117 but not Mira. Assessing all 3 experiments, considering the best treatments, the tuber number per plant ranged 22-34 for Chuangyu 117 and 23-28 tubers per plant for Mira. The main limitations that need to be overcome are the management of the plants so that they develop adequate haulm growth to support tuber growth through nutrient and hormonal manipulation for both the spring and autumn seasons, which have contrasting climatic conditions.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

42

Issue

1

Page

69-74

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

graphs, tabes, diagram, picture

Language

English

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