Effect of storage temperature of seed potatoes on growth and yield of potato under short day conditions

The effect of storage temperature of seed potatoes on the growth and yield of potato under field conditions was investigated in a study conducted in the north Indian plains. Seed potatoes of four cultivars were stored in darkness at 4 and 12°C during 1995–96 and at 4, 12 and 20°C during 1996–97. Cvs. Kufri Sindhuri and Kufri Bahar aged more rapidly while Kufri Lalima and Desiree aged less rapidly. The response of the Dutch cultivar Desiree to ageing was similar to that of Indian cultivars. Physiological ageing of seed tubers was more rapid at 12°C than at 20°C. The plants raised from seed tubers stored at 4°C were more vigorous with more number of stem aud high ground cover, and produced more number of tubers and higher yield. Storage at 12 and 20°C reduced tuber number and yield significantly. Desprouting of seed tubers before planting had no significant effect on tuber number in both the years. However, its effect on tuber yield was significant during the first year but non-significant during the second year.