Effect of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Seed Size and Variety on Flowering Behavior and Berry Production

Abstract

The present study was aimed to elucidate the effect of 3 seed sizes (< 40 mm, 40 mm and > 40 mm) and 2 varieties (Bertita and Diamant) on flowering behavior and berry production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Jos Plateau State of Nigeria. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. The result showed that seed size and variety had significant effect on some of the parameters assessed. Variety Diamant was the earliest to form flower buds in 34.10 days and it also resulted in higher number of inflorescence at 7 weeks after planting (WAP) and flower buds at 7 and 8 WAP than variety Bertita. Berry formation was similar between varieties. Medium sized seed tubers (40 mm) took significantly longer mean number of days to form first flower buds while small sized seed tubers was the earliest (34.00 days). Number of inflorescence formed was similar with all the seed sizes and number of flower buds formed was higher in larger seed tubers than the medium and smaller seed tubers at 7 WAP. Larger and medium seed tubers resulted in similar mean number of berries, while the smaller seed tubers did not form berries.