Effect of day length and temperature on true potato seed (TPS) germination and seedling vigour

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is generally propagated by vegetative means. Although farmers must obtain quality seed tubers for good production of tubers, such seed tubers are often too expensive, especially for marginal farmers in developing countries (Roy et al., 2005). Therefore, efforts have been made to develop the use of sexually produced seed known as true potato seed (TPS). TPS can be used as a low input alternative for raising commercial crop especially in areas where availability of quality tuber seed at reasonable price is a constraint. In this respect, TPS has good prospects because it can reduce the cost of production and thus farmers can become independent from conventional seed (tuber) sources. 150g TPS required for one hectare area.