Production of minitubers through hydroponics technology
2008
Tatoy, B. F. | Lapoot, C. R. | Salvani, J. B., D | Maghanoy, C. C. Jr., DA-NOMIARC Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (Philippines)
The feasibility of the hydroponics technology in producing minituber (disease-free potato seeds produced in screenhouse) was evaluated at NOMIARC, Dalwangan, Malaybalay [Philippines] using different culture media namely, sand mixed with either rice hulls and or coir dust at 1:3 and 1:2 ratio (sand: coir dust or rice hulls) and fertilizer applied in solution by flooding. This was compared with the existing production system (soil mixed with coir dust at 1:1 ratio). All of the culture media out yielded the existing production system. A better yield of minituber was produced during 'repetitive harvesting' conducted 60 DAT and 90 DAT. Moreover, physiological characteristics such as firmness of the tuber and sprouting were comparable with tubers produced in the field. Results were very promising in terms of production and economics. A comparative analysis between using hydroponics technology versus existing production system showed that tuber yield increased by 63%, multiplication rate higher by 57%, return of investment (ROI) increased from 5.88% to 192.55%, and the labor cost reduced from PhP 18,100.00 to PhP 14,000.00. Thru destructive harvesting at 60 DAT and 90 DAT, an excellent quality of minituber was produced and the physiological characteristic was comparable with tubers produced in the field. Recommended culture media for use in the hydroponics was rice hull at 1:3 (sand:rice hulls) if the crop was grown at 90 DAT, however, coco coir is also a potential media if grown beyond 90 days since it can stimulate tuber initiation at the later stage of the potato crop.
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