Optimizing pre-planting curing conditions of potato cut seed tubers (P-24)

Optimizing pre-planting practices to protect cut potato seed tuber pieces from decaying in the field under unfavorable environmental conditions is essential for successful crop production. One of the best ways to minimize seed decay after planting is by enhancing the formation of the protective suberized layer on the cut surfaces of seed tubers. The objective of this research is to optimize ideal temperature and duration for suberization of cut tuber pieces and investigate the impact of different pre-planting scenarios on emergence, growth, and yield. Seed tubers of cvs. Bannock Russet, Dakota Russet, and Russet Burbank were obtained in fall 2023, cured and stored at 4°C and 95% RH for seven months. For pre-planting treatments, one subset of seed tubers were kept at 4°C and used as a fresh-cut/non-suberized treatment (control), while a second subset of tubers were warmed up (from 4 to10°C, over 7-days), cut, and suberized; two subsets of cut seed pieces were incubated (10°C, 95% RH) to allow suberization for 1- or 2-weeks. After the suberization period, each subset was further divided in three groups. One set from each suberization duration was planted immediately, while the second and third subsets were further stored under 7°C for 2- or 3-weeks prior to planting to mimic delayed planting scenarios. All seed preparation treatments were synchronized for simultaneous planting. The field experiment was conducted at a commercial potato production field in Larimore, ND, in 2024. Overall, early emergence was observed in all three cultivars with suberization of cut seed pieces for 1- and 2-weeks, and Russet Burbank exhibited uniform emergence, higher plant growth and total yield. Suberization of cut seed pieces had greater impact on Bannock Russet, as 1-week suberization at 10°C and further storing tubers at 7°C for 2- or 3-weeks resulted in higher emergence, plant height, and marketable yield.