Abstract
The effects of different production factors, such as,
variety, date of planting, seed size, plant spacing and
irrigation on the yield of seed potatoes and economic returns
were studied at different locations of Bangladesh during 1986-87
to 1988-89. A base-line survey on cultural and economic aspects
of seed potato production in the Contract Growers Zones of BADC
was also conductedN
A wide variation in the yield of tubers and profitability
among the Contract Growers Zones was noticed. Yield of seed-size
tubers in some places was marginally above the maximum limit of
seed procurement by BADC (9.2 t/ha), but in most places, the
total yield was much higher. Net returns were not always very
attractive.
The modern potato varieties under study, taken from
different maturity groups (based on Dutch conditions), matured
within 85-100 days of planting showing little or no regard to
their maturity groups. But their yield varied widely.
The yield of seed and nonseed size tubers was found to be
closely associated with date of planting, seed size, plant
spacing and irrigation. For the production of certified seed
through contract growers, planting of medium size (20-25g) cut
seed pieces in early November at a spacing of 15-WO nm in rows
placed 60 cm apart appeared to be suitable. But for foundation
seed production in BADC farms, planting of relatively larger cut
seed pieces (25-30g) at a spacing of 10-15cm in rows espaced 60cm
apart appeared to be optimal.
Irrigation throughout the growing period starting from 20-30
days after planting at an interval of 13-15 days under BAU and
Domar conditions, and 10 days under Kashimpur conditions, gave
appreciably high yield of tubers.