Effect of Planting Windows, Weed Control and Varieties on Productivity and Profitability of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Central India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons (winter) of 2011–12 and 2012–13 to assess the effect of planting dates, weed control and varieties on productivity and profitability of potato under Gwalior region of Central India. The field was infested with Chenoporium album (Bathua), Chenopodium murale (Kharbathua), Celosia argentia (Safed) and Trianthema monogyna (Patharchata). Highest weed density (176 sq m^-1) was recorded with 15^th September planted crop which was significantly higher over all other planting dates. Delaying date of planting from 15^th September to 15^th November increased tuber yield in weedy check (10.8 to 30.1 t ha^-1) and weed control (12.6 to 38.5 t ha^-1) treatments which show that at optimum temperature crop competes in better way with weeds. Among different varieties tested, Kufri Jyoti showed least competition with weeds. Highest tuber yield was recorded with 15^th November planted crop. Among varieties, Kufri Khyati gave highest tuber yield (30.1 t ha^-1) under weed control condition and Kufri Surya (22.6 t ha^-1) under weedy check condition. Nutrient uptake by weeds was highest in early and late planting situations compared to main crop. Delaying date of planting increased water use efficiency from 27 kg tuber ha^-1-mm to 128 kg ha^-1-mm. Hence, Kufri Surya may be preferred for planting over Kufri Khyati and Kufri Jyoti in early plantings where adoption of weed control is bare minimum. Extra early planting in the month of September should be avoided to increase efficiency of applied nutrient and water inputs. Unused inputs damage environment in addition to decreasing profit from cropping.