Effect of seed piece population on the yield and processing quality of Russet Burbank potatoes

The effect of seed piece population on tuber yield, size distribution and processing quality of Russet Burbank potatoes grown under nonirrigated conditions in southern Manitoba from 1983 to 1987 was determined. Seed pieces were planted at 21.7, 26.3, 33.3 and 45.5 thousand seed pieces per hectare, and plant emergence generally exceeded 90% of the seed piece population. Marketable tuber (greater than 5 cm in diameter) yields were not affected by seed piece population. As population increased, however, the number of harvested tubers increased and average tuber size decreased, which resulted in a decreased yield of premium tubers (greater than 284 g) and an increased yield of small tubers (less than 5.0 cm in diameter). Specific gravity, the incidence of hollow heart in maingrade (5 cm in diameter to 284 g in weight) and premium tubers, and fry color were not significantly affected by seed piece population. In the one trial tested, sucrose content decreased as population increased, however, this was not reflected in improved fry color after storage.