Potato as a potential crop for the lowland tropics

Abstract

Nine potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars were grown in the field in summer in a warm sub-tropical environment. Tuber bulking periods were short (6-8 weeks) and yields ranged from 6.0 to 34.0 tha-1. Application of the growth retardant, 2-chloroethyltrimethylammonium chloride increased tuber yields substantially only in two cultivars ('Sebago' and 'Kennebec'). It is suggested that potato production in the lowland tropics may be successful, if the effects of all factors contributing to high gibberellin activity (high temperatures, long photoperiod and low irradiance) are minimized.