Abstract:
A 4x4 factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three
replications was conducted at Geta Woreda, Guragie Zone, Southern Ethiopia from
December 2009 to April 2010 cropping season to assess the effects of intra-row spacing and
variety on yield and yield components of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Four intra-row
spacings (20, 25, 30 and 35 cm) and four potato varieties (Gudenne, Jalenne, Gera and
Guassa) were used in the experiment. The results revealed that Jalenne and Guddene
produced the highest marketable tuber yield; 31.69 t ha-1 and 29.72 t ha-1, respectively and
the least was from Gera, 26.15 t ha-1. Variety Jalenne planted at 20 cm intra-row spacing
recorded the highest LAI (11.54) and the lowest was recorded from Gera planted at 35 cm.
The total tuber yield was significantly and positively associated with stem number (r =
0.71**), marketable tuber number (r = 0.31*
) and marketable tuber yield (r = 0.99**) whereas
significantly and negatively correlated with unmarketable tuber number (r = -0.42*
), and
unmarketable tuber yield (r = -0.46*
). In general, from the obtained results, it can be
concluded that intra-row spacing, variety, and their interaction had valid effects on tuber
yield significantly for variety Gudenne at 30 cm intra-row spacing in the study area. Thus,
Gudenne variety planted at 30 cm intra-row spacing has been identified best in terms of yield
and in using the scarce land of the area efficiently and effectively. Since this experiment was
conducted only for one season, to come up with conclusive result, further investigations need
to be conducted in line with irrigation methods and frequency, fertilizer types and rate,
simultaneously at both major growing seasons (belg and meher) of the study area.
