Response of Potato Crops Grown at Medium Altitude to Gamma Fays Irradiation and CCC Application

Abstract

Growing crops at medium elevation in Indonesia may face problems related to high temperature, which inhibits tuber formation and growth, resulting in lower number and smaller size of tuber . It might be overcome by planting heat-tolerant cultivars and/or  providing a package of technology suitable for the area. In this respect, greenhouse experiments to evaluate the effects of gamma rays (0, 30, 60 Gy) and CCC (0, 600 ppm) on crop growth and tuber production were conducted. Potato seeds were irradiated by gamma rays, planted in polybag filled with 10 kg of sterile media, a mixture of top soil and manure (4:1, v/v), and sprayed with either CCC or TPS. The crop growth and tuber production were observed. The results showed that 60 Gy delayed tuber emergence, killed most of the seeds planted, reduced tuber formation, and inhibited tuber growth.  In contrast, 30 Gy promoted crop growth and tuber production. The application of CCC significantly inhibited crop growth, but did not promote tuberization. There was no significant interaction between gamma rays irradiation and CCC or TPS on affecting crop growth. However, the interaction significantly affected potato yield components.  We concluded that the best gamma ray irradiation for  potato seeds was 30 Gy. Higher dosage was detrimental, reducing plant growth, dan  yield.