Potato and Tuber Crops

Seed Rate, Methods of Sowing and Spacing

• The seed requirements for a hectare on the basis of seed size are given below:

Large size- 25-30 q/ha

Medium size- 15-20 q/ha

Small size- 10-15 q/ha

Out tubers- 8-12 q/ha

Potato is planted mainly by two methods

Ridge and Furrow Method

• In this method, the ridges are prepared.
• The length of the ridges depends on slope of the plot.
• Too long ridges and furrows arc not supplied with irrigation water conveniently.
• The potato tubers are planted on is let into furrows.

Flat Bed Method

• In this method, the whole plot is divided into beds of convenient length and width.
• The shallow furrows are opened and potato tubers are planted at recommended distance.
• The tubers are covered with the original soil of furrows.
• When the germination is completed and plants become 10 to 12 cm height, earthing should be done.
• Suitable plant spacing in relation to potato seed grades are given below

Diameter of tuber from longer axis	Planting distance (row x seed)
2.5-3.5 cm	50 x 20 cm or 60 x 15 cm
3.5-5.0 cm	60 x 25 cm
5.0-6.0 cm	60 x 40 cm