Tailoring fertility for arc potato seedlings (Solanum tuberosum l.): A study on growth and yield responses

The shortage of quality seed tubers remains a major constraint in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, particularly in regions with limited access to certified planting material. Apical rooted cuttings (ARCs) provide a rapid, disease-free, and cost-effective alternative for seed tuber multiplication. The present study was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, to evaluate the influence of different nutrient management regimes on the growth, yield, and quality of ARC-derived potato seed tubers. Ten nutrient treatments, comprising varying levels of NPK fertilizers with or without foliar application of “Potato Special” (a micronutrient formulation), were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Growth parameters, yield attributes, tuber yield and dry matter content were recorded and analyzed. Significant differences were observed among treatments for all traits studied. T3 (156:125:156 kg ha⁻¹ NPK + Potato Special) exhibited superior vegetative growth, while T₁ (125:100:125 kg ha⁻¹ NPK + Potato Special) and T₁₀ (125:100:156 kg ha⁻¹ NPK + Potato Special) produced the highest total and marketable tuber yields. Treatments with balanced NPK combined with micronutrient supplementation also improved tuber dry matter content. In contrast, lower nutrient levels (T₆) resulted in poor growth and yield. The findings confirm that optimized nutrient management, particularly the integration of balanced macronutrient doses with micronutrient foliar sprays, can enhance the productivity and quality of seed tubers derived from ARC technology. This approach offers a sustainable pathway for strengthening potato seed systems and improving farm profitability.