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Potatoes for canning – design of growing systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

R. Thompson
Affiliation:
Scottish Horticultural Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee
D. Gray
Affiliation:
National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick
J. A. Pascal
Affiliation:
National Institute of Agricultural Engeineering, Scottish Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian

Summary

Effects of set size, density of planting, harvest date and spatial arrangement on yield and size grading of potatoes were examined using the cultivar Maris Peer. The results indicate that highest economic returns would be obtained by growing crops at between 70 and 110 eyes/m2, using small sets for late season production and large ones only for very early production, with as near a square pattern of planting as possible.

Based on these findings four growing systems were tested on a field scale, a 1·5 m raised bed with four rows, a 0·6 m ridge, a 0·9 m ridge containing two rows 0·3 m apart, and a 0·75 m ridge. Highest yields and returns were obtained from the two-row, 0·9 m, ridge system, which also had certain cultural advantages.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1974

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