Ranger Russet: Seed Spacing and Nitrogen Trials (Wisconsin, 1994)
Characteristics | Tables | Management Profile | Seed Spacing/Nitrogen Trials
In 1994, cultural profile trials were conducted with Ranger Russet in Wisconsin. Cultural profile trials are designed to gain more information about the cultural practices needed for newly released varieties. In-row spacings and supplemental nitrogen rates were investigated. Harvest was in September.
In-row plant spacings were 9, 12 and 15 inches. The row spacing was kept 36 inches. Ranger Russet were planted on May 2.
Five rates of supplemental nitrogen: 0, 80, 160, 240 and 320 lbs N/ac were tested. Each rate was split; half was applied at emergence on May 31, and the second half was applied at about tuberization (June 20). Pre-plant nitrogen at 30 lb/acre was added.
Ranger Russet is primarily used for early processing. Increasing the in-row spacing from either 9 or 12 inches to 15 inches significantly increased both the % US#1 and the % of 10-13 oz tubers. The 12 and 15 inch spacings also were associated with more hollow heart although this was not significant. Increasing the supplemental nitrogen rate to 160 lbs N/ac significantly increased total yield, the % US#1 and the % of 10-13 oz tubers. Further increases in supplemental nitrogen had no positive effects on yield or tuber size. Increased tuber size was associated with hollow heart. The higher supplemental nitrogen rates did significantly reduce specific gravity compared to the 0 and 80 lbs rates.
The data for Ranger Russet suggest that the optimum spacing is about 12 inches which is the best compromise considering total yield, tuber size and hollow heart incidence. Supplemental application of 160 lb N/ac gave the best yield, tuber size and specific gravity. Higher rates tended to give larger tuber size, but this didn't always give larger yields. These tubers also tended to have more hollow heart.
Effects of in-row spacing and supplemental nitrogen rate on yield, tuber size, hollow heart and specific gravit of Ranger Russet, Hancock, WI, 1994:
|
Treatment |
Total Yield (cwt/A) | US1A Yield | 10-13 oz. (%) | Hollow (% of as) | Gravity |
| Spacings: | |||||
| 9 inch | 256 | 84 | 7 | 18 | 1.090 |
| 12 inch | 275 | 85 | 9 | 24 | 1.090 |
| 15 inch | 216 | 79 | 15 | 29 | 1.090 |
| NS | * | * | ns | ns | |
| Nitrogen applied (lb/A) | |||||
| 0 lb/A | 165 | 78 | 4 | 17 | 1.091 |
| 80 lb/A | 245 | 86 | 8 | 19 | 1.091 |
|
160 lb/A |
299 | 87 | 15 | 28 | 1.090 |
| 240 lb/A | 273 | 81 | 10 | 26 | 1.089 |
| 320 lb/A | 263 | 81 | 15 | 27 | 1.089 |
| * | * | * | ns | * |
ns = not significant; * = significant at 95 percent probability level