Potato Research

Abstract Potatoes are a vital part of our diet worldwide, but their cultivation poses challenges due to environmental impacts from traditional farming methods. Precision agriculture offers a promising solution by managing variability in crop growth and reducing environmental disturbance. Remote sensing technologies have become crucial for monitoring crops and field dynamics more efficiently. In potato farming, the use of remote and proximal sensing technologies facilitates the prediction of yields and nutrient levels. This capability allows farmers to pinpoint the spatiotemporal variations in yields and nutrients, allowing them to make precise management decisions for each specific area of their fields. It is also valuable for monitoring nitrogen levels in plants during the growing season. This helps farmers apply the right amount of fertilizer at the right time, optimizing yields without affecting the environmental quality. While still evolving, remote sensing transforms potato farming by providing detailed, non-invasive insights that can enhance productivity and sustainability. Research into different technologies and machine learning models for potato farming in Canada has been largely confined to a few provinces. This review aimed to identify this knowledge gap, underscoring the need for broader exploration of innovative agricultural methods across diverse regions of the country.

Abstract Potatoes in Afghanistan constitute a major agricultural product, ranking third after wheat and rice and serving as a significant component of daily household food, especially for low-income and impoverished households. Agricultural challenges faced by potato cultivation have resulted in the performance and production capacity of Khinjan district in Baghlan province, Afghanistan, being comparatively lower than many countries worldwide. Therefore, this study examines potato producers’ technical, managerial, and scale efficiency in Khinjan district, Baghlan province, Afghanistan. The research was conducted in the agricultural year 2023, with the study population consisting of potato farmers in Khinjan district. A total of 252 potato farmers were selected through simple random sampling. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was employed to analyse potato production efficiency. The findings of this study reveal that the average technical efficiency, managerial efficiency, scale efficiency, and economic efficiency were 81.0%, 97.0%, 84.0%, and 52.2%, respectively. The lowest efficiencies were 45.0%, 67.0%, 45.0%, and 24.0% while the highest were all equal to one. Additionally, the results indicate that technical, managerial, scale, and economic inefficiencies for potato farmers in Khinjan district were 71.18%, 32.3%, 32.16%, and 47.8%, respectively. Additionally, 38.2% of farmers experienced decreasing returns as they scaled up, while 68.25% observed increasing returns, leaving only 29.13% operating at an ideal scale where returns remained constant. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritise the increase in production scale to enhance production levels and farmers’ income.

Abstract Total and individual carotenoid concentrations were determined in raw potato tubers of six varieties, including Kexin No. 1, Xisen No. 6, Atlantic, Xisen No. 5, Shepody, and Favorita. The relationship between colour CIE L*a*b* and total carotenoid concentration and the effect of domestic thermal treatments on the total and individual carotenoid concentrations were also investigated. The total carotenoid content in the six potato varieties ranged from 96.48 to 875.08 µg/100 g FW. The main carotenoids were lutein, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, and antheraxanthin. The specific composition depended on the variety, and β-carotene was not detected in all tested six potato varieties. The colour value of coordinate b* was positively and significantly correlated with total carotenoid content. Boiling had the smallest effect on the decrease of total and individual carotenoids, while microwave treatment resulted with 52.67% in the highest loss of the total carotenoid in Favorita. As for the individual carotenoids, violaxanthin followed by antheraxanthin was the most heavily affected by cooking. All four thermal treatments, baking, boiling, frying, and microwaving, decreased the carotenoid contents, and boiling is recommended as a preferred method associated with the lowest loss rate of total and individual carotenoids. Through our research, we hope to deepen our understanding of the variability in nutritional content among commonly consumed potato types.

Abstract Weed infestation in potato field has become a major concern to smallholder farmers and environment, requiring sustainable intervention. This study aimed to determine (i) whether metribuzin application rate (0, 0.5, 1 (standard), 1.5, and 2 kg ai ha−1) has effects on soil microbes and soil nutrients in the short term using potted soil and (ii) the influence of potato seed dormancy (short; Shangi variety and long; Unica variety) and planting technique (surface, ridge, or furrow planting) on the efficacy of weed management practice (metribuzin (480 g L−1) herbicide and hoeing) in the field. Bacterial colony counts were recorded upon isolation from the potted soil. Soil nutrients were also analysed before and after metribuzin treatment. Data on crop growth (height and stem count), weed abundance, yield, costs, and revenues were recorded from a field experiment. Morphologically distinct bacterial strains were tested for Gram reaction and response to carbon utilization using analytical profile index kits (API 50 CH and 20 NE). In total, nine distinct bacterial strains were isolated and all were Gram positive, with variation in response to carbon substrates. Concentration of 2.0 kg a.i ha−1 significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced bacterial count in the first day, followed by an increase in the subsequent incubation days, while 1.0 and 1.5 kg a.i ha−1 concentrations had the highest colony development index and species richness. Significant effects of metribuzin on soil pH, total N, and total organic C in the short term were revealed. Notably, weedy plots had the highest Shannon weed index. Weeds reduced stem count and height growth by 57% and 62% respectively. Plots with Shangi had 9.8% lower weed count than those with Unica and hence higher yield was recorded from the former. While surface planting had the lowest weed control efficacy, crop growth attributes, and yield, furrow and ridge planting were not significantly different. Weed abundance and crop growth attributes in metribuzin and hand-hoed plots did not differ significantly, yet hoeing resulted in 5.30 t ha−1 above that obtained from plots managed using metribuzin. Higher dry matter and tuber yield were observed from hoed plots with Shangi planted in furrow or ridge. Use of metribuzin resulted in higher net benefit ratio and marginal rate of return than hand hoeing. The results reveal that use of metribuzin early and later in the potato growing phase can minimize weed infestation, but the efficacy depends on planting method and seed dormancy.