EFFECT OF STORAGE TEMPERATURE AND SOURCE ON PRODUCTIVITY OF RUSSET BURBANK SEED

Optimum temperatures for storage of Russet Burbank seed potatoes were investigated during the years 1966 and 1967. The least number of stems per seed piece was obtained from seed tubers stored at 40 F in comparison to storage at 35 F or 45 F. This was true both in the greenhouse and in the field. Although the same lot of tubers was used, considerably more stems per seed piece were obtained in the greenhouse than in the field. The plants from seed tubers stored at 40 F and 45 F produced significantly higher yields of U.S. No. 1’s over 10 oz than seed stored at 35 F. Certified seed from Tetonia, Idaho produced significantly higher total and U.S. No. 1 yields than did seed produced at Aberdeen. As storage temperatures of Russet Burbank seed tubers increased, the specific gravity of the resulting crop decreased. © 1968, Springer. All rights reserved.