The impact of haulm killing on yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Disease-free and superior quality seed tubers could be obtained by haulm (vine) killing, which also reduces weight loss during storage. Higher resistance during storage ensures that seed tubers will be at the desired physiological age at the time of planting. The use of healthy seed tubers of appropriate physiological age will have positive impact on yield and quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of haulm killing on seed potato yield and yield components (total tuber yield, average tuber yield/plant, number of tubers and average tuber weight) under semi-arid climate of Artova district in Tokat province, Turkey. The field studies were carried out during potato growing seasons of 2017 and 2018. The experiment consisted of two factors, i.e., potato cultivars and haulm killing. Five different potato cultivars, i.e., ‘Agria’, ‘Marabel’, ‘Hermes’, ‘Marfona’ and Madeleine were included in the study. The haulm killing treatments were ‘haulm killing’ and ‘no haulm killing’. Haulm killing positively affected the number of tubers per plant and average tuber weight, which are directly related to the tuber yield. Tuber seed yield in the first and second year with haulm killing treatment was 40.78 and 44.05 tons/ha, respectively. The yield without haulm killing in the first and second years was 37.78 and 38.76 tons/ha, respectively. The dry matter ratio of tubers with haulm killing was 21.89% in 2017 and 22.35% during 2018. The dry matter ratio of tubers without haulm killing was 20.57% in 2016 and 21.03% during 2017. The results revealed haulm killing had positive impact on yield, yield-related parameters and dry matter content of seed tubers. Therefore, haulm killing is recommended for higher yield and better quality of seed tubers.