Effect of foliar fertilization on the growth of some potato varieties

Abstract EN

A factorial experiment was carried out according to randomized complete block design with three replications in Babylon governorate in two sites (Al-Basira and Al-Nakhaila) during the autumn season 2017 to study the response of three potato varieties (Rivera, Arizonaand Burren) to 4 treatments of foliar fertilization.

The foliar treatments were control, 10 ml.l-1 of high potash (NPK, 0- 5-30), 10 ml.l-1 of nutrient solution (nitrogen 7%, phosphorus 5%, potassium 7%, magnesium 0.5%, potassium-humate 0.5% and micro elements) and half the quantity of both fertilizers.

The spraying was twice at 45 days of planting (when tubers were formed) and 14 days after the 1st spraying (when tubers were enlarged).

The results were summarized as follows: Burren cultivar gave the highest plant height (63.99) cm, leaf number (55.7), leaf area (4955) cm2 , chlorophyll (55.7) SPAD and leaf potassium percentage 2.01%.

Spraying of high potash fertilizer was superior in plant length (61.85) cm, number of leaves (57.2), leaf area (5011) cm2 , chlorophyll (57.2) SPAD and leaf potassium percentage (2.07%).

Al-Basira local was superior in plant leaf number (52.3), leaf area (5052 cm2 ) and chlorophyll (52.3SPAD).

The interaction between the varieties and the fertilization was significant in the percentage of plant dry matter