The response of selected potato varieties to plant density

The aim of my diploma thesis was to evaluate four densities of growth by chosen varieties of potatoes. The thesis deals with the experiment on 4 different varieties of potatoes. I have chosen the standard technology of growing ware potatoes. The selected densities of growth were 35 000, 40 000, 45 000 and 50 000 young plants ha-1. Each variant was repeated four times. I have evaluated the yield of bulbs, the share and yield of ware bulbs, the average number of bulbs for one plant, the weight of bulbs for one plant, the average weight of a bulb and the average weight of ware bulbs. The research was done on a private farm like the field experiment. The farm is located in potato-growing area in Vysočina Region, 490 metres above the sea level. Potatoes are grown approximately over 7 hectares on the farm. The experiment started in 2010. The potato planter MARS 42 was used for the planting. The distance between drills was 0,75 metre. Parcels consisted of 4 drills, each drill equals one repetition, each parcel equals one density of growth. On purchase of samples was realized the kickoff of 10 plants from each repetition. What followed was division of bulbs according to their size in each sample. They were divided into bulbs smaller than 40 millimetres and bigger. After that the samples were weighed and bulbs were counted. The number of bulbs and the weight of bulbs are very important for subtotal. It was established the variety Mirage made the best results when the density was 45 000 plants ha-1. The variety Agria had two suitable densities of growth, namely 40 000 and 45 000 plants ha-1. There was no considerable difference between them. In contrast with previous, the varieties Victoria and Marabel made the best result when the density was 35 000 plants ha-1. I have realized the density 50 000 plants ha-1 is explicitly unsuitable for all varieties. This density of growth is loss-making especially because of lowering of all assessed indexes. Another disadvantage is higher costs (more bulbs are required) and then there is also bigger risk of diseases and pests