Effect of Potassium and Zinc on Growth Yield and Tuber Quality of Potato

A field trial was carried out to evaluate the impact of Potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn) on quantitative and qualitative attributes of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Agricultural Research Institute Mingora Swat, during winter 2014. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design using three replications. Four K levels (00, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha^-1) and three levels of Zn (00, 05 and 10 kg ha^-1) were used. The various parameters studied during experiment were tuber yield (ton ha^-1), total soluble solids (TTS), specific gravity and starch content. Potassium and zinc application at various levels were significant for all parameters. Potassium applied at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 increased tuber yield (27.9 ton ha^-1), TSS (5.099 °Brix), specific gravity (1.083) and starch content (14.83 %). Yield parameter was being maximum with 150 kg K ha^-1. Application of Zn at 10 kg ha^-1 maximized tuber yield (26.9 ton ha^-1), TSS (4.879 °Brix), specific gravity (1.081) and starch content (14.83%). Most of the parameters were not significantly different from that of 5 kg Zn ha^-1. None of the studied parameters was significantly affected by K and Zn interaction. On the basis of the current research, 120 kg K ha^-1 and 5 kg Zn ha^-1 gave maximum yield of potato and thus the mentioned rates of these nutrients are suggested for general cultivation of potato in Swat valley.