engleski

Effect of foliar fertilizers on physiological characteristics of potato

Limited information is available on physiological response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to the application of foliar fertilizers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of three commercial foliar fertilizers (EPSO Microtop, Megagreen and Drin) compared with control (without foliar fertilizer) on the intensity of photosynthesis, concentration of photosynthetic pigments in potato leaves and tuber dry matter yield at various intervals after planting. Greenhouse experiment was conducted during two growing seasons (2006 and 2007), which were characterized by higher than optimum temperatures. Foliar fertilizers were applied five times during vegetation in ten-day intervals starting at tuber initiation phase. Control plants achieved higher intensity of photosynthesis at tuber initiation phase (50 and 55 days after planting) in comparison to all foliar treatments. In all other days after planting, control and foliar treatments had similar intensity of photosynthesis. Application of foliar fertilizers did not increase the concentration of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in potato leaves and the aboveground dry matter yield. The highest tuber dry matter yield under conditions of higher than optimum temperature was obtained with the foliar fertilizer Megagreen, which contains calcium.

foliar fertilization; intensity of photosynthesis; photosynthetic pigments concentrations; tuber dry matter yield

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