Screening Potato Varieties for Cultivation in Arid Regions: Effect of Planting Date on Emergence of Imported and Locally-Produced Seeds

Abstract

Potato is new as a major crop in arid regions. Due to its food value, expanding production and increasing consumer demand, it is being considered as a strategic crop. Production is based on yearly import of seed potatoes from Europe. Productivity of potato could be increased by targeted selection of varieties for local adaptation, by choosing the adequate conditions for planting and through proper seed management. The seed and its imposed planting time were found to be incompatible with optimum stand development for the crop, resulting in a loss of potential yield. The young physiological age and persisting dormancy of seed prevented early emergence of sprouts from a mid-November planting time. When planted on 11 consecutive dates, varieties showed a significant improvement of emergence rates with delayed planting time. Emergence rate doubled as planting was delayed from mid November to mid December. Emergence rate results for imported tubers were confirmed over three consecutive growing seasons and contrast with emergence data for locally produced seed planted at the same or earlier dates.

Keywords

• sprout emergence, physiological age, shining, rate of emergence.