Effect of Tuber Treatment with Inorganic Chemicals on Tuber Germination, Growth and Yield of Potato

Abstract

Seven inorganic chemicals like salicylic acid, indole acetic acid, di potassium hydrogen orthophosphate, hydrogen peroxide, calcium chloride, ferric chloride and metalaxyl have been evaluated on seed tuber  germination, growth parameter and yield of potato in pot culture. Tuber treated with inorganic chemicals stimulated the germination of potato tuber. Among the treatments, three inorganic chemicals namely salicylic acid, calcium chloride and hydrogen peroxide treated tuber have given 100% germination against 60% in case control. The growth promoting effect ofinorganic chemicals has also been observed in all the treatments. The maximum growth promoting effect was perceived from salicylic acid treated plant showing 25–30 cm shoot length against 14.67 cm in case of control at 30 days after sowing. The maximum number of large size tuber was harvested in salicylic acid treated plant, representing 3 tubers with total weight of 205.67 g followed by CaCl₂, which is 2 tuber, having total weight of 125.08 g. As per yield is concerned, the highest total yield 241.40 g  plant^-1 pot^-1 was recorded from salicylic acid treatment, followed by calcium chloride. The other treatments were also showing significant effect in increasing growth and yield parameters potato of as compared to control.