PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT MULCHES ONPHYSICAL GROWTH AND YIELD OF POTATO(SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) IN WESTERNRWANDA
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Authors
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Prof. Antoine Karangwa
University of Rwanda
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Vedaste Ndungutse
The University of Rwanda
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Dr. Aloys Fashaho
University of Rwanda
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Dr. Sylvestre Habimana
University of Rwanda
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Dr. Jean d'Amour Manirere
University of Rwanda
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Vincent Nsengimana
University of Rwanda
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Narcisse Mulinga
University of Rwanda
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Claudette Imanishimwe
SNV
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Polycarpe Nshimirimana
SNV
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Dr. Bernard Rwubatse
University of Rwanda
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Dr. Nyagatare Guilaume
University of Rwanda
Keywords:
Potato cultivation, Mulches,, Physical growth, yield increment, potatoAbstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various types of mulches on physical growth and
yield of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). The experiments were conducted in farmer’s fields during the agricultural seasons
2022 B (Season B is from March to June) and 2023 A (Season A is from September to February). Experiment was laid out
in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in two sites with four replications and five treatments: T1 (Control), T2
(Dead mulch), T3 (Living mulch of Mucuna), T4 (Living mulch of Desmodium), and T5 (Living mulch of Lablab). Data were
collected on the potato physical growth with an interval of 15 days after planting (DAP) while yield data were collected
immediately after harvesting. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was done in Microsoft Excel at P<0.05. Results revealed
a significant difference in physical growth of plants in all treatments with steady increase up to 90 DAP and decrease at
105 DAP in both Districts. Yield average was 37.67 t/ha and 30.83 t/ha in Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts respectively. It
was the highest for dead mulch at 57.6 t/ha in Rubavu and 43.0 t/ha in Nyabihu District. It was followed by Lablab spp
at 42.3 t/ha for Rubavu and 37.3 t/ha for Nyabihu District. Yield increment was 42.0 % and 3.8 % in Nyabihu and Rubavu
Districts respectively. Dead mulch and Lablab contributed more to the yield increase and can be recommended as farming
practice to increase potato yield in both Districts.
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