Evaluation of Fertilizer potential of sea weed (Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) saps in potato crop in North Eastern hill region of India

Evaluation of Fertilizer Potential of Sea Weed Saps in Potato Crop

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2013 at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong, Meghalaya to study the effect of sea weed saps on growth and productivity of potato in the north eastern hill region of India. The trial was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice, with 10 treatments. The number of shoot per plant was found to be non significant and vary from 2.8 to 3.0. The maximum plant at harvest was recorded under application 7.5 Kappaphycus Spray + 100% RDF while lowest under 6.25% + 50% RDF. Maximum small size tuber was found with application of 10 % Gracilaria spray + RDF which was at par to 2.5 % Kappaphycus spray + RDF and 7.5 % Gracilaria spray + RDF but significantly superior to other treatment. However, the highest medium size tube of potato was noticed under 6.25% Kappaphycus spray along with 50% recommended dose of fertilizer. Highest large size tuber was recorded with application of  5% Kappaphycus spray + RDF followed by 2.5% Kappaphycus spray along with RDF  as well as  7.5 % Gracilaria spray + RDF which was at par but significantly superior to rest of treatment. Application of 2.5% Kappaphycus spray + 100% RDF recorded the highest productivity of potato (27.1 t/ha) followed by 100% RDF + Kappaphycus spray @ 5.0% (26.6 t/ha) which were at par to each other but significantly superior to the rest of treatment. Based on the economic yield of potato, it may be concluded that the application of 2.5 % Kappaphycus spray + 100% RDF was found to be more profitable under rainfed condition of Meghalaya.