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Analysis of the effect of different planting dates and varieties on the growth and yield of Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Northern Central Namibia
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1  Department of Crop Production and Agricultural Technologies, School of Agriculture and Fisheries Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Ogongo Campus, University of Namibia, Windhoek, 9000, Namibia
Academic Editor: Peter Gregory

Abstract:

Potatoes are highly valued worldwide for their high yield, nutrition, versatility, and income potential. Potatoes are the leading non-cereal food crop, ranking third in human consumption after rice and wheat. In Africa, potatoes are the second most cultivated crop and are commonly used as a staple food after maize. Potatoes are a promising crop to address global poverty and hunger, potentially improving food security and boosting farm returns for smallholders. Recent years saw high temperatures and droughts affecting crops globally. Namibia has the potential to increase potato production and diversity. The study aims to identify how planting date and varieties affect potato growth and yield across cultivars and seasons. Three planting phases (March 06, April 06, May 06) and four varieties (Barcelona, Rainbow, Spunta, Montreal) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Twelve treatments were organized into four varieties, each with three phases. Data on growth and yield parameters were analyzed using SAS 9.4. The maximum plant height of 32.76 cm was recorded from phase 1 in Barcelona, and the minimum of 9.12 cm from phase 3 in Rainbow. The highest total tuber number (33) was recorded from 06 April in Spunta, with the lowest (13) in Montreal from the third planting date. The highest total tuber weight (21.40 t/ha) was recorded in Rainbow from the second planting date, and the least (6.78 t/ha) was Montreal in phase 3. The study indicates that 06 April is the best planting date for all varieties, considering overall performance and tuber yield, with phase 1 and phase 3 showing poorer results. The best planting date is phase 2, as Barcelona and Rainbow outperform Spunta and Montreal in marketable tubers.

Keywords: Planting phase; Varieties; Chlorophyll content; Total tuber weight; Total tuber number.

 
 
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