Potato and Tuber Crops

Climate

• Though a temperate crop, it is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions.
• Most varieties perform well when days are sunny and nights are cool. About 20 °C temperature is good for tuber formation and it reduces as the temperature increases. Tuberization is badly affected at about 300C temperature.
• At higher temperature, the respiration rate increases and the carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis are consumed rather than stored in tuber.
• High temperatures at any part of growing period affect the size of leaflets, thereby reducing the tuber formation. It grows best under long day conditions.
• Sunshine along with cooler nights are essential for reducing the spread of diseases.
• In India, potato crop is raised in regions where day and night temperatures are below 35°C and 20°C respectively.
• Potato is grown at elevations from mean sea level (MSL) to 2743 m above MSL.
• A temperature of 22-24°C is the best while for tuberisation, a lower temperature of 18-20°C and short days are ideal. Most varieties .
• For sprouting and initial growth of plants will not tuberise if night temperature is above 23°C.
• Growth of the plants is accelerated during long days and high temperature.
• For flowering, potato is a long day plant,and it takes place under cool climate and long day conditions of more than 15 hours light.
• Such conditions are available during summer months in the hills.