Thesis
Fine-tuning the cultural management of russet Burbank and Clearwater russet potatoes by investigating in-row spacing, seed-type, and/or nitrogen rate
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103444
Abstract
In the Columbia Basin of WA, growers typically plant russet-type potatoes into rows spaced 34 inches apart with seed pieces spaced 10-12 inches apart. They also grow their potatoes with what is thought to be a non-limiting amount of nitrogen, often exceeding 400 lbs/A. Because potatoes are bought and sold by size and some sizes are more valuable than others, growers may improve their returns using cultural practices designed to produce the most profitable tuber size profiles. During 2015-2016, research was conducted in Othello, WA to determine the most economically sound in-row seed-piece spacing for Russet (R.) Burbank and Clearwater R. In addition to in-row spacing, seed type (whole vs. cut) was examined for R. Burbank and nitrogen (N) rate was investigated for Clearwater Russet. In-row spacing treatments were 8, 10, 12, and 14 inches for both varieties; however, 16-inch spacing was included for Clearwater Russet. Full-season N treatment rates of 150, 250, 350, and 450 lbs/A were used in the Clearwater R. N rate trial. Tuber quality, yield, and economic return were assessed for each trial. A mock processing contract was used to quantify an economic value after the variable input costs (seed, N) were subtracted. Economic return was greatest when plants were spaced in-row at 12 inches for R. Burbank. Economic return was not significantly affected by in-row spacing treatments for Clearwater R.; however, the production of > 6 oz tubers was highest at 12-inch in-row spacing. Total yield was highest when cut seed was used; however, adjusted gross income was not significantly affected by seed type. As expected, Clearwater R. petiole and soil N values were typically higher as N rate increased. Clearwater R. economic return and yield were maximized at 350 lbs N/A. Petiole values associated with the 350 lbs/A N rate were averaged across years as a guide for Clearwater R. growers.
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Details
- Title
- Fine-tuning the cultural management of russet Burbank and Clearwater russet potatoes by investigating in-row spacing, seed-type, and/or nitrogen rate
- Creators
- Kathryn Rose Bolding
- Contributors
- Mark J. Pavek (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Horticulture, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525283101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis