Influence of Planting Depth Combined with ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ on Yield and Starch Quality of Six Potato Cultivars
摘要
A field experiment was conducted over two consecutive seasons, 2019–2020 (first phase) and 2020–2021 (second phase) in Kasur and Lahore regions. The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of different planting depths (8 in., 10 in., and 12 in.) and three foliar sprays containing ZnSO4 (179.7 g, 119.8 g, and 59.9 g per plot) and FeSO4 (5.3 g, 10.6 g, and 15.9 g) on six potato varieties (Chipsona, Kuroda, Asterix, Sante, Sarpomira, and Mosika). The research was carried out in a split-split block design with three replications. The main plots were designated for foliar application, the sub plots were designated for maintaining depth levels, and the sub-sub plots were designated for arranging potato varieties to investigate their interactions on weight and number of tubers, marketable and non-marketable yield, and number of healthy, diseased, and cracked tubers per plant. Further interaction of depth and fertilizer treatment on actual starch content, ash content, Salmonella, E. coli, coliform bacteria, and TPC (total plate count) was carried out using CRD (completely randomized design) at a 0.01 confidence level. The results obtained from the study demonstrate a significant impact of 10-in. depth on potato yield, starch, and its quality parameters. Foliar application of ZnSO4 + FeSO4 (59.9 g + 15.9 g) at 10-in. planting depth can be optimized for good tuber yield for all investigated varieties. Amongst all varieties, Chipsona exhibited superior results, whilst Asterix performed least.