Optimization of planting density for different size mini tubers in seed potato production

The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal planting density for mini-tubers of different sizes in the pre-elite stage of seed potato production. The thesis study was conducted in 2019 and 2020 in the seed potato production area (38.26° N 32.40° E) of Konya Şeker A.Ş. in Konya. According to the split-split plot design, mini tubers of three different sizes (<20.0 mm, 20.1-25.0 mm, >25.1 mm) of Lady Olympia and Russet Burbank varieties were planted at five different row distances (10, 14, 18, 22 and 26 cm). In this study, the response of applications to morphological and agronomic traits was examined, and economic analysis of the data was obtained in terms of tuber yield to determine the optimal planting density according to tuber size. In both years, the highest yield and net income were achieved for > 25.1 mm tubers of the varieties with 10 cm and 14 cm row distances, respectively. The highest cost-benefit ratios (BCR) were obtained at a planting density of 22 to 26 cm for large (>25.1 mm) tubers in the Lady Olympia variety and at 18 to 22 cm planting density in the Russet Burbank. The findings of this study will be helpful for seed potato producers and pre-elite seed production.