Effect of inter and intra row spacing on seed and ware tuber yield of potato (solanum tuberosum L.) AT bako, western Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the effect of inter and intra row spacing on seed and ware tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in 2011 at Bako. The objective was to identify best spacing for high seed and ware potato tuber yield. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in 6x3 factorial arrangements. Six inter row (60, 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85cm), and three intra (20, 30 and 40cm) spacing were used. Some parameters were significantly influenced by the interaction of inter and intra row spacing. Delayed emergence (16 days) was recorded at 60x40cm and 70x30cm. At 85x40cm delayed maturity (91 days) was observed. The tallest (83cm) plants were recorded at 80x40cm; while the shortest (57cm) was obtained from 60x30cm. Highest total tuber yield (38.39t/ha) and marketable (37.02t/ha) were recorded at 65x20cm, whereas the lowest total tuber yield (20.81t/ha) and marketable (20.17t/ha) were obtained from 85x40cm. The highest unmarketable tuber yield (1.68t/ha) was recorded at 60x20cm; while the lowest (0.55t/ha) was observed at 70x40cm. Average tuber weight (933g/plant) was obtained at 85x40cm; while the lowest (408g) was at 75x20cm. Result of higher total tuber number (54,880/ha) at 60x20 cm and lower (22,940/ha) at 75x40cm was obtained. Similarly higher (38,400/ha) marketable tuber number at 65x20cm and lower number (16,350/ha) at 70x20cm was observed. Also average tuber number (19/plant) was obtained at 65x20cm.Maximum (82and 78) under sized in number at 65x20cm and 60x30cm,but lowest number (39) at 85x40cm was recorded. Higher small sized in number (86) at 60x20cm and 65x20cm and maximum small number (77) at 60x30cm and lowest number (26) at 75x30cm was resulted. Higher medium sized number (88) at 65x20cm, but the lowest (36) at 70x30cm was observed. More under sized tuber weight (530gm) per plot resulted at 60x20cm, lowest weight (177gm) was from 80x20cm.Maximum small sized tuber weight per plot (1.8kg) at 65x20cm and weight of (1.7kg) resulted at 80x40cm in addition weight of (1.62kg) at 60x20cm.But lower size tuber weights (293gm) at 75x20cm.Other parameters were not significantly influenced. Parameters positively correlated were, total tuber yield with plant canopy (r=0.3*), tuber number (=0.46**), tuber weight (r=0.37**). Marketable tuber yield and tuber number (r=46**) and weight (r=0.37**).Unmarketable yield with tuber number (r=0.42**) and total yield (r=0.42**).Total marketable number/hectare with tuber number (r=0.67**), tuber weight (r=0.5*), while total tuber number with tuber number (r=0.65*), weight (r=0.46**).Days to maturity with plant height (r=0.34*), tuber weight (r=0.34).From the experiment conducted interaction gave good result that benefit farmers, potato producers and users of the study area, that 65cm by 20cm for seed,80cm by 40cm for ware potato production. The result was a one year data, further study may consider for reliable conclusions.