ISHS Acta Horticulturae 619: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Potatoes, Healthy Food for Humanity: International Developments in Breeding, Production, Protection and Utilization
ALTERING POTATO PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN OMAN BY MODIFYING THE PLANTING STRATEGY AND THE SEED SUPPLY MECHANISMS |
| Authors: | I.A. Khan, M.L. Deadman, H.S. Al-Nabhani, K.A. Al-Habsi |
| Keywords: | Planting time, Sprout emergence, Stem Number, Tuber Number, Physiological age, Chitting, Dormancy, Farming Systems |
| Abstract:
Oman has a cropping season limited to the months between September and April. Most of vegetable growers harvest 2 crops per season. Potato is grown from imported seed, which arrives in early November. Planting a crop during November leaves little opportunity for growing a second crop. Reduced cropping intensity has prompted the growers to avoid cultivating potato. Altering the planting time and seed supply mechanisms could revitalize potato cultivation. We have investigated planting times after the November norm and screened potato cultivars for planting at different times. Our data (sprout emergence, growth, tuber yield) gathered over 3 consecutive years for 2-11 planting dates and 5-26 potato cultivars provides convincing rational for shifting potato planting from November to the middle of December without any loss of yield. The altered strategy would allow 3 months prior to the potato crop for raising an early vegetable crop. | |
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