The Effects of Size and Microtuber Dormancy on Production of Potato Minitubers

In this study, sprouting potential and functions of microtubers gained from two commercial potato cultivars Agria and Marfona were investigated which categorize in three size groups <5mm, 5-10mm and >10mm which all had gone to dormancy for 3-5 months. Sprouting, nonsprouting microtubers percentage along with weight, number and diameter of minitubers were recorded. A significant and positive correlation between minitubers diameter and their sprouting percentage was observed. Microtubers higher size show more efficient functionality than others with thin diameters. Results showed that Marfona with sprouting percentage 56.37% has better functionality in comparison to Agria with 48.87%, while Agria has better functionality index. Among studied cultivar, greater diameter microtubers which spent most times in dormancy in comparison to thin diameter microtubers with less time in dormancy and showed superiority in weight, number and minituber diameter.

Potato % Solanum tuberosum % Minituber % Dormancy