Response of Potato to Zinc Application in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Central Potato Research Station, Patna with objective to evaluate theresponse of zinc on potato tuber yield. Significant effect of zinc application was not noticed on plant emergence and plant height of crop at 30 days after planting. However, higher plant height was recorded in the plot which received the zinc as compare to without zinc application. Significant difference in plant height was observed at later stages of crop due to application of zinc at the rate of 6.0 kg/ha along with recommended dose of fertilizers. Similarly, dry matter yield of potato tubers was also recorded consequently higher due to application of higher doses of zinc. Tuber grades of 0-25g and 25-50g were found non-significant irrespective of doses of zinc application in potato. Significant variation in medium and large size tuber yield were recorded due to application of zinc @ 6 kg/ha over without zinc application. About 18.1% increase in marketable tuber yield of potato was found due to application of zinc @ 6.0 kg/ha as compare to without zinc application. About11.3% and 13.7% increase in the total tuber yield of potato was observed due to application of zinc @ 4.5 and 6.0 kg/ha, respectively over without zinc application. However, no significant variation in pooled yield was found with application of zinc up to 3.0 kg/ha over without zinc application. The highest net return (Rs. 36.0×103/ha) and net benefit cost ratio (2.52) was recorded due to application of zinc @ 6.0 kg/ha as compare to without zinc. Application of zinc @ 6.0 kg/ha along with recommended dose of NPK may be found more beneficial for potato cultivation under Eastern Indo-Gangetic plains of India.