Growth variability of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) as affected by cultivars and sowing date in the Sudan savannah zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in the Sudan savannah zone of Nigeria during the 2015/2016 dry season. The Research Farm of Audu Bako Collage of Agriculture, Danbatta (12° 44′ N and 8° 51′ E) and Federal Collage of Education Technical, Bichi (12°24′N and 8.24′E) represented the two locations. Subjects of interest were to determine the effect of variety and sowing date on growth of Irish potato. Treatment combinations were five certified varieties (Nicola YL, Nicola GL, Bertita, Ditta and Marabel) and four levels of sowing date (early November, middle of November, end of November and middle of December), respectively. In three replications, treatments were laid down in split plot design with variety in main plots and sowing date in sub plots. All cultural practices, irrigation facilities and determination in physico-chemical properties of soil samples were observed. Data collected on growth components were analyzed using a trail version (statistix-10). Statistically, the results obtained after comparison between five varieties of Irish potato and four levels of sowing dates shows that variety and sowing date had high significance (P≤0.01), significance (P≤0.05) and insignificance effects on measured growth parameters taken at four, six, and eight weeks after sowing on plant height (cm), number of leaves, leaf area index and crop growth rate.