Potato Plant Research
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Abstract
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) plays an important role in the growth and development of potatoes, but overapplication of the nutrient compromises environmental systems’ sustainability and limits tuber productivity and quality. A two-season study was carried out in 2022 and 2023 at Ofcolaco in the Mopane District of South Africa to determine the influence of N and nano micronutrients on tuber bulking rate (TBR), crop growth rate (CGR), and stomatal activities. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) fitted into a split-split plot arrangement with four replications was employed with the hypothesis that N and nano micronutrients applications will not have an effect on growth, stomatal activity, and bulking rate of potato cultivars. The main-plot factor was N rates (0, 80, 160, and 240) kg Nha−1; the sub-plot factor was nano-zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) micronutrients, while cultivar, Mondial, and Valor were the sub-sub-plot factors. The application of N and nano Zn and Cu significantly influenced dry matter accumulation, TBR, CGR, and stomatal activities of both Mondial and Valor cultivars. From our study, the application of 160 kg Nha−1 in conjunction with nano micronutrients resulted in an increase in dry matter in the two cultivars, in comparison with the application of 240 kg Nha−1 without nano micronutrients. This observation was consistent in TBR and CGR in Mondial during the 2023 season. In 2022, the CGR under 160 kg Nha−1, along with nano micronutrients in Valor, achieved 90% of the CGC of sole 240 kg Nha−1. The physiological and plant growth parameters’ response to treatment in the two cultivars were generally optimized, when nano micronutrients were applied in conjunction with higher N rates of 160 and 240 kg Nha−1. Significant principal component factors influencing variability in growth and physiological parameters varied between seasons. The findings generally demonstrated that 160 kg Nha−1, in conjunction with micronutrients, has the potential to downsize N application in potato growth and development.
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@article{Phehla2026Potato,
title = {Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Growth Rate, Stomatal Activities, and Tuber Bulking Rate as Influenced by Cultivar, Nitrogen, and Combined Nano Zinc and Copper Micronutrients},
author = {Mpho P. Phehla and Kwabena K. Ayisi and Mapotso Anna Kena and Lawrence Munjonji},
journal = {Agriculture},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.3390/agriculture16131471},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16131471}
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