Comparative Study on Growth, Yield and Economics of Potato Production Propagated through Apical Rooted Cuttings

Abstract

This study investigates the comparative growth, yield and economic performance of potato production propagated through apical rooted cuttings (ARCs) in the Northern Transitional Zone of Karnataka. Eight genotypes, including Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Lima and Kufri Sangam, were analyzed for key growth parameters such as plant height, number of primary shoots, number of compound leaves, stem diameter and tuber yield. Results showed that tuber propagation consistently outperformed ARCs, with Kufri Jyoti (tuber) recording the highest plant height (46.82 cm), number of tubers per plant (6.80) and total yield per hectare (16.45 t/ha). Among ARC-propagated genotypes, Kufri Lima performed best, with a yield of 9.56 t/ha. Economic analysis revealed that Kufri Jyoti (tuber) also achieved the highest net returns (₹256,146.72/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.65). While ARCs offer cost savings on seed material, they showed limitations in overall yield and profitability, particularly in genotypes like Kufri Karan. These findings provide crucial insights into optimizing potato production practices.