Enhancement of Potato Shelf Life: Role of Pre-Harvest Potassium Application

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the research field in Gazipur, Bangladesh during winter season of 2014-2015 to determine the effect of different potash fertilizer rates as pre-harvest application viz. K1 (0 kg-K2O/ha), K2  (150 kg-K2O/ha), K3  (175 kg-K2O/ha) and K4  (200 kg-K2O/ha) on storability of different potato varieties (V1= Cardinal, V2=Courage, V3=Diamant, V4=Granola) under natural condition. The potato tubers were stored in a well ventilated room of day and night temperature of (25-30°C) and (20-25°C), respectively. Result revealed that after 135 days of storage, lowest cumulative weight loss was recorded in Granola (12.66%) followed by Courage (21.50%), Diamant (30.84%) and Cardinal (30.84%). The cumulative weight loss was minimum (10.66%) in Granola variety after 135 days of natural storage where the pre-harvest potassium application rate was @ 200 kg-K2O/ha.