Yield and canopy development of field grown potato plants derived from synthetic seeds

Although detailed growth studies and yield analysis are common for the conventional seed tuber plants in potato, their application to synthetic seeds does not exist. Growth measurements of potato plants from two field grown cultivars of synthetic seeds in comparison to their respective seed tubers were conducted during two seasons in the town of Braunschweig, Germany. In the 2001 season, using pre-germinated synthetic seeds, maximum plant height was recorded at 98 days after planting (DAP), 21 days later than for seed tuber plants. Maximum intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (IPAR) for plants derived from synthetic seeds was 96.4% for the cv. Desiree and 93.2% for the cv. Tomensa, while for plants derived from the seed tubers was 98.4% for the cv. Desiree and 96.6% for the cv. Tomensa. On average, plants from the synthetic seeds matured 40 days later than plants from the seed tubers. The plants derived from the synthetic seeds had lower tubers yields of 103 and 105 dt ha(-1), while the plants derived from seed tubers yielded 152 and 147 dt ha(-1) for the cvs. Desiree and Tomensa, respectively. In the 2002 season, using transplanted synthetic seed seedlings, maximum plant height was recorded at 84 DAP for both seed types. Maximum IPAR for plants derived from synthetic seeds was 92.5% for the cv. Desiree and 95.8% for the cv. Tomensa, while for plants derived from the seed tubers was 92.4% for the cv. Desiree and 96.5% for the cv. Tomensa. On average, the synthetic seed seedling plants matured approximately 12 days later than plants from the seed tubers. Tuber yields of 104 and 127 dt ha(-1) were recorded for the plants derived from synthetic seeds, while 101 and 126 dt ha(-1) for the plants from seed tubers of the cvs. Desiree and Tomensa, respectively. The results demonstrated that synthetic seeds can be an alternative propagating method. Their yield potential, similar to that of seed tuber plants is also dependent on fast canopy growth, early attainment of maximum leaf area for maximum light interception, and completing growth within the available growing season. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.