Time and method of nitrogen application for chipping potato variety Kufri Chipsona-3 for higher productivity, profitability and processing quality during long term storage

Abstract

Field trial was conducted at Modipuram (India) with potato cultivar Kufri Chipsona-3 with four treatments of time and method of N application (2 split, 3 split, 3 split + 1 foliar spray, and 2 split + 2 foliar spray) in randomized block design. Time and method of N application did not influence shoot number, plant height and leaf number also different time and method of N application did not bring any marked changes in processing grade and total tuber number. Tuber yield (processing grade, small and total) did not vary significantly with different time and method of N application. Similar net income and benefit cost ratio was realized with 2 N splits, 3 N splits and 3 N splits + one foliar spray. Tuber specific gravity and dry matter content were found maximum when N was applied in 2 splits in the soil. At the time of harvest chip colour score and glucose concentration in tubers did not vary due to N time and method of application and were observed within the acceptable limits of the chipping industry. Chip colour remained acceptable upto 150 days of storage, where N was applied in 2 splits. In case of foliar N, chip colour score was acceptable only upto 60 days of storage. Therefore, it was concluded that recommended dose of 270 kg N/ha should be applied in two equal splits in soil at planting and earthing up for higher tuber yield and good processing quality at harvest and during long term storage for Kufri Chipsona-3.