Effect of Sowing Time, Variety and Propagation Method on the Storage Behavior of Potato Tubers under Ambient Conditions
Deepanshi Deora *
Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (474002) Madhya Pradesh, India.
Murlidhar J. Sadawarti
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Gwalior (474020) Madhya Pradesh, India.
I.S. Naruka
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (474002) Madhya Pradesh, India.
Hemant Kumar Meena
Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (474002) Madhya Pradesh, India.
Tanuja Buckseth
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla (171001) HP, India.
Subhash Katare
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Gwalior (474020) Madhya Pradesh, India.
Rajendra Kumar Samadhiya
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Gwalior (474020) Madhya Pradesh, India.
SP Singh
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Patna (801506) Bihar, India.
Abhitej Singh Shekhawat
Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (342304) Rajasthan, India.
Ramawatar Choudhary
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (474002) Madhya Pradesh, India.
Astha
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (474002) Madhya Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Net House experiment was conducted in the Experimental Area. ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station (ICAR-CPRI-RS), Maharajpura, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, during two Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25. The aim was to evaluate the effect of sowing time, variety, and propagation method on the storage behavior of potato tubers under ambient conditions. A split-plot design was used in this experiment with three replications. Parameters evaluated included initial tuber number and weight, physiological loss in weight (PLW), rottage, sprouting percentage, dormancy breaking, and number of sprouts per tuber. Results indicated that sowing time and variety significantly affected initial tuber number, while propagation method had minimal impact. PLW increased progressively with storage duration, with the highest losses observed in late sowing (3rd sowing) and aeroponics minituber propagation. No sprouting or dormancy breaking occurred up to 60 days, and tubers remained rot-free for 45 days. Interaction effects showed slightly higher rottage in late-sown Kufri Sangam propagated via aeroponics, though differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that tubers can maintain dormancy and health for at least two months under ambient storage, providing valuable insights for potato postharvest management.
Keywords: Potato, sowing time, variety, propagation method, storage behaviour