| dc.description.abstract | A study on the effect of seed size and variety
on growth, development and yield of potatoes (8.
tuberosum L.) was carried out between 1981 and 1982
at the Field Station, University of Nairobi. Three
)
seed sizes (35-45 mm - small; 45-55 mm - medium;
55-6Smm - large) of three commonly grown potato varieties
B53, Anett and Kerr's Pink were planted.
Seed size affected emergence. Thus, plants
derived from the large seed tubers emerged earlier
than plants derived from medium ~nd small seed tubers.
The plants from large seed tubers were bigger, more
vigorous in growth and took a shorter time to cOITpletely
cover the ground when compared to plants from
medium and small seed tubers.
The nwnber of sterns per hill was highest in
the plants derived from the large seed tubers and
lowest in the small seed tubers. This was true
for the three varieties.
Dry matter accumulation in the haulm continued
to a maximum and then st.a rt ed declining as the crop
matured. Tuber dry matter increased throughout the
grow 1n9 per iod. At the end of the growth period,
B53 had the highest dry matter as is expected while
Anett and Kerr's Pi_nk had lower and comparable dry
matter contents (percentage). This was true in both
(xiii)
seasons. In season I (short rains, 1981) which was
notably dry and irrigation had to supplement the
rainfall, the tubers had lower dry matter content
I
as compared to season II (long rains, 1982) when
rainfall was more or less adequate.
Total final tuber yield and ware grade yield
were highest in Annet. B53 had the lowest tubRr
yield while Kerr's Pink had medium yield both in
terms of total tuber yield and ware yield. Although
plants from large seed tubers yielded more than
plants from medium and small seed tubers, seed size
effect was not. significant. The variety effect was
however significant (P = O.OS). | en |
