The Effect of Planting Date, Depth and Density on Yield and Yield Components of Potato in Shahrood (Iran)

In order to study the effect of planting date, depth of sowing and planting density on yield and yield components of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), an experiment was carried out in Shahrood (Iran) in 2009-2010. The first treatment was three planting date (11, 21 and 31 May 2010), the second treatment was planting density including 8 and16 plants per square meter and the third treatment was depth of sowing (10, 20 and 30 cm). For studying crop growth physiology, sampling was done every 15 days. Total dry weight along with leaf, stem and tuber weights were determined to demonstrate dry matter accumulation trend. Final yield and yield components were measured at the end of growth season. Other traits included plant height, number of tubers in square meter, number of tubers in plant, average tuber weight, and protein yield. Results showed that tuber yield was affected by experimental factors. Planting date, depth of sowing and planting density significantly affected tuber yield. Planting date, depth of sowing and planting density significantly affected all traits except protein percentage which was not significantly influenced by plant density factor. Planting date (11 May 2010) and plant density (8 plants/m2) and depth of sowing (20 cm) treatment produced 31.800 ton/ha and was maximum yield in comparison to other treatments.