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Effect of Soil Temperature at Different Growth Stages on Growth and Development of Potato Plants¹

The effect of soil temperature on potato growth depended on the stage of growth of the plant. The three growth stages studied were (a) planting to emergence, (b) emergence to 30 days, and (c) 30 days to maturity.

In the first growth stages the plants did not emerge at 48F. However, if the potato plants were allowed to emerge, growth stage (b), and then placed at 48F, top growth developed. In the second growth stage (b) root growth was less sensitive to temperature differentials than top growth.

In the third growth stage (c) soil temperature affected root concentration with depth but did not influence root distribution in a lateral direction. Tuber yield increased with increased temperature to 72F and then decreased at 84F. At 84F spec/fic gravity of tuber was lower than at the other temperatures studied. Tuber shape was also affected by high soil temperature.

² Research Soil Scientist, USDA, Orono, Maine. Appreciation is expressed to Dr. R. A. Struchtemeyer and W. J. Grant for their assistance.

Received for publication July 29, 1965.