ISHS Acta Horticulturae 516: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 6: Culture Techniques with Special Emphasis on Environmental Implications Physiological Processes in Plants
THE EFFECT OF TRANSPLANT CONTAINER CELL SHAPE ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND ROOT YEILD OF SWEET POTATO |
| Author: | A. Ching |
| Keywords: | Ipomea batata, inverted pyramid cell, roots, round cell, transplants |
| Abstract:
Cell shape and size of transplant container affects the growth, development and yield on Ipomea batata. A study was established to determine if cell shape of transplant container affects the growth and yield of I. Batata cv 'Jersey'. In early spring, "slips" were planted in inverted pyramid cell (40 sq. cm. X 6.35 cm deep) and in round cell (40 cm. Dia. X 5.10 cm deep) containers. Ten random samples were taken from the two types of container cells. Fresh and dry weights were obtained for shoot and root biomass, and the data analyzed using the completely randomized design. After 50 days in a greenhouse, the plants were transplanted into the field 30.5 cm between plants and 122 cm. between rows on a Sharpsburg silty clay soil (fine montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudolls). A completely randomized block design was used with three replications. Significant differences (P=0.05) was found for total vine dry weight/plant. Plants pre-grown in inverted pyramid cells produced an average of 308 grams as compared to plants pre-grown in round cell with 288.4 grams of vine dry-weight/plant. Furthermore, plants pre-grown in round cells produced an average of 8 coiled (deformed) roots to none under inverted pyramid. A highly significant difference (P=0.01) was detected between treatments for yield. Plants pre-grown in inverted pyramid cell produced 11.7 ton/ha of medium size and 14.2 ton/ha of small size roots compared to 8.1 ton/ha and 8.3 ton/ha, respectively, for plants pre-grown in round cell. Also, plants pre-grown in round cell produced 12.6 ton/ha of non-commercial roots to 4.9 ton/ha under inverted pyramid cell. | |
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