EFFECT OF SEEDLING TUBER SIZE AND FERTILIZER LEVELS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND ECONOMICS OF POTATO PRODUCTION

Abstract

In the present investigation, effect of three seed size of tuberlets of <10, 10-20 and 20-30g and three fertilizer levels of 50, 100 and 150% of recommended dose (RD) of 120:100:100 kg NPK/ ha were studied on growth, yield and economics of potato. Yield of seed size tubers (25-50g) (204.91q/ha) and total yield (424.93q/ha) were higher under the fertilizer level of 180:150:150 kg NPK/ ha with small size tubers i.e. <10g. 10-20 and 20-30g tuberlets performed better yield on fertilizer level of 120:100: 100kg NPK/ ha and ranked second. These seed sizes recorded the highest percentage of ware potato yield (>25 & <50 g)as compared to small size tuberlets. The highest net return of Rs. 68,482 per ha and cost benefit ratio 1:3.16 was recorded with small size tuberlets (<10g) planted on high fertility level (50% above of R.D.) and second best treatment was 10-20g tuberlets at 120:100:100kg NPK/ha (R.D.) which recorded net return Rs.63,496 per ha with cost benefit ratio 1: 3.13.