DESENVOLVIMENTO, ABSORÇÃO DE NUTRIENTES E PRODUTIVIDADE DE CULTIVARES DE BATATA SOB DIFERENTES ÉPOCAS E ESPAÇAMENTOS DE PLANTIO

Abstract

The objective of this work was to test the effect of cultivars and different planting times on the development and yield of potato plants. The treatments were 3 cultivars (Ágata, BRS Clara and BRS F63 Camila), 3 planting times (October, December and February), conducted in 2 agricultural crops (2014/15 and 2015/16). The yield, yield components, period of plant growth, leaf area index, number and dry mass of the tubers were evaluated. The first planting time resulted in higher yield than the third time. The cultivar BRS F63 Camila was the cultivar with highest yield in this first planting time due to the greater number of tubers produced in relation to the other cultivars and to the larger average mass of tubers in relation to Ágata. In the second time, no difference in yield was observed among cultivars. In the third time, BRS Clara was the cultivar with highest yield due mainly to the higher average mass of tubers in relation to Ágata, a fact favored by the higher leaf area index and longest growth period of BRS Clara. Depending on the planting time, one should choose the cultivar that results in maximum yield potential, since it is a plant management with low cost and high yield impact.