Plant density in the hydroponical production of potato minitubers

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of plant density on Plant growth and potato minituber yield. The C experiment was carried out in a closed hydroponic system with sand as substrate in a greenhouse. Minitubers (diameter between 5 and 10mm) of the cultivar 'Macaca' were planted on September 3(rd), 2004 in holes made on polyethylene film surface. The treatments were the densities of 25, 44, 100 and 400hills m(-2). A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three replications. Water and nutrients were supplied daily with a standard nutrient solution. Tuber yield and dry matter production were determined at 75 days after planting. Dry mass of plants increased until 100hills m(-2) Increasing plant density increased tuber number and decreased mean dry mass of tubers. Plant density of 100hills m(-2) may be used to maximize tuber number in the hydroponical production of potato minitubers.