Effects of the bio-fertilizers on potato mini tubers number and size produced from tissue culture plants

Abstract

The present study aimed to increase mini tuber yield production of potato in vitro plants by decreasing mineral nutrients to 50% and applying biofertilizers micro-algae, bacteria, vermicompost, mycorrhizae and their combinations. The experiment was carried in controlled conditions in a growth chamber in pots with a capacity of 2L. The substrate was mixed soil with cocopeat (v/v). The evaluation of growth parameters and macro and micro elements was carried 30, 60, and 90 days after planting. Harvest was carried 120 days after planting and tuber numbers, size, and diameters were evaluated. The higher number of mini tubers obtained with 8.8, 8.2, and 7.6 per plant in control, algae, and the mixture of 4 biofertilizers, respectively. The higher tubers' diameter and weight values were 20.11 mm, 6.70 g, 18.65 mm, and 5.3 g in the plants treated with bacteria and vermicompost. For mini tuber seeds production, the number is important, yet the size and weight are the essential parameters to obtain high tuber yield. Thus, it is recommended that the seeds producers apply vermicompost and bacteria in their fertilizer's solution.