Effect of Superabsorbent Polymer and Sowing Depth on Total Yield and Marketability of some Potato Cultivars in Autumn Planting

To investigate the effect of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and planting depth on total and marketability tuder yield of three potato cultivars, an experiment was conducted during 2016 and 2017 at Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Hamadan, Iran. The experiment was conducted as split split plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plot included a planting depth at four levels (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm), subplot was consisted of a potato cultivar at three levels (Sante, Fontine and Agria) and sub-subplot comprised a SAP application at two levels (application and non-application of SAP). The results of this research showed that there is a significant interaction effect of cultivar and sowing depth with SAP on the number and weight of small tubers, deformed tubers and total yield (p<0.01) and on the number and weight of medium tubers (p<0.05). In this regard, the highest number and weight of medium tubers obtained at depth of 20 cm along with SAP usage in all cultivars. In general, the results revealed that SAP usage in all of the cultivars led to an increase in marketable tubers and total yield.