Impact of varying levels of nutrients on growth and yield of various potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.)

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of different levels of nutrients on vegetative growth and yield of potato varieties; Kufri Khyati, Kufri Arun and Kufri Sindhuri at different nutrients levels (N0: Control, N1: 50% NPK + 100% ZnSO4 as per RDF, N2: 100% NPK + 100% ZnSO4 as per RDF and N3: 150% NPK + 100% ZnSO4 as per RDF) in sandy loam soils at Research Farm, TCA, Dholi of RPCAU during Rabi, of 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. The results indicated that the V2:Kufri Arun variety exhibited significantly greater plant height compared to the other. Furthermore, V2:Kufri Arun showed superior number of shoots, leaves and dry matter accumulation in comparison to V1:Kufri Khyati, although it was statistically at par with V3:Kufri Sinduri. Regarding nutrient levels, the application of 150% NPK + 100% ZnSO₄, as per RDF (N3), resulted in significantly higher plant height, no. of shoots per plant, no. of leaf and dry matter accumulation compared to N1: 50% NPK+100% ZnSO4 as per RDF and N2:100% NPK+100% ZnSO4 as per RDF. The V2:KufriArun variety produced a significantly higher tuber yield (20.63 t ha⁻¹), marketable yield (17.03 t ha⁻¹) and Haulm yield (10.56 t ha⁻¹) compared to V1:Kufri Khyati. Additionally, the application of 150% NPK + 100% ZnSO₄ as per RDF (N3), resulted in significantly higher tuber yield (25.83 t ha⁻¹), marketable yield (22.94 t ha⁻¹) and vine yield (12.60 t ha⁻¹) compared to the N1: 50% NPK + 100% ZnSO₄ and N2: 100% NPK + 100% ZnSO₄ treatments.