Effect of Sowing Time, Variety and Propagation Method on the Storage Behavior of Potato Tubers under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

The Net House experiment was conducted in the Experimental Area. ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station (ICAR-CPRI-RS), Maharajpura, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, during two Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25. The aim was to evaluate the effect of sowing time, variety, and propagation method on the storage behavior of potato tubers under ambient conditions. A split-plot design was used in this experiment with three replications.  Parameters evaluated included initial tuber number and weight, physiological loss in weight (PLW), rottage, sprouting percentage, dormancy breaking, and number of sprouts per tuber. Results indicated that sowing time and variety significantly affected initial tuber number, while propagation method had minimal impact. PLW increased progressively with storage duration, with the highest losses observed in late sowing (3rd sowing) and aeroponics minituber propagation. No sprouting or dormancy breaking occurred up to 60 days, and tubers remained rot-free for 45 days. Interaction effects showed slightly higher rottage in late-sown Kufri Sangam propagated via aeroponics, though differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that tubers can maintain dormancy and health for at least two months under ambient storage, providing valuable insights for potato postharvest management.