Evaluating the effects of basic seed generation, size and nutrient content on yield components and the yield of the potato (Solanum tuberosum) variety Annabelle
Holappa, Outi (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025051512193
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025051512193
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of basic seed generation, size and nutrient content on yield components and yield of Annabelle potato (Solanum tuberosum) variety in seed potato production in Finland, and to determine how size distribution of the harvested crop affects revenue per hectare.
The motivation for this study stemmed from the observation that yield variations within the same variety are significant in seed potato production when comparing different years and/or growers, which results in varying levels of revenue per hectare. This study was conducted as part of the seed potato development efforts of HZPC Kantaperuna Oy. The aim was to provide new insights for seed lot selection but also to enhance understanding of the impact of seed lot on yield formation. The data for the study was collected by implementing the plot trial to narrow down the agronomic variables.
Potato yield is shaped by four main components—plant density, stem number per plant, tuber number per stem, and tuber weight—all of which are affected by biological, agronomic, and environmental factors. The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing seed potato yield and revenue. Seed size in planting showed clear effects on yield components, yield and revenue, while nutrient content in seed tubers or generation did not display consistent correlations with yield.
The workshop with growers was carried out to compare the actual planting density in growers’ fields with the corresponding trial plots. It indicated that the actual planting density deviated substantially from the planned target, reinforcing the importance of precision in planting. The comparison of the planting dates indicated that earlier planting results in better yield, if the planting density is correct and care is taken to prevent oversizing.
The findings of this study underscore the importance of basic seed size and optimizing planting practices. Ensuring that as many tubers as possible reach the desired size, while minimizing the number of oversized tubers, is a key strategy for improving both yield and revenue in seed potato production.
The motivation for this study stemmed from the observation that yield variations within the same variety are significant in seed potato production when comparing different years and/or growers, which results in varying levels of revenue per hectare. This study was conducted as part of the seed potato development efforts of HZPC Kantaperuna Oy. The aim was to provide new insights for seed lot selection but also to enhance understanding of the impact of seed lot on yield formation. The data for the study was collected by implementing the plot trial to narrow down the agronomic variables.
Potato yield is shaped by four main components—plant density, stem number per plant, tuber number per stem, and tuber weight—all of which are affected by biological, agronomic, and environmental factors. The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing seed potato yield and revenue. Seed size in planting showed clear effects on yield components, yield and revenue, while nutrient content in seed tubers or generation did not display consistent correlations with yield.
The workshop with growers was carried out to compare the actual planting density in growers’ fields with the corresponding trial plots. It indicated that the actual planting density deviated substantially from the planned target, reinforcing the importance of precision in planting. The comparison of the planting dates indicated that earlier planting results in better yield, if the planting density is correct and care is taken to prevent oversizing.
The findings of this study underscore the importance of basic seed size and optimizing planting practices. Ensuring that as many tubers as possible reach the desired size, while minimizing the number of oversized tubers, is a key strategy for improving both yield and revenue in seed potato production.