Abstract:
Irish potato is a whether sensitive crop, depends on a regular water supply, to secure high quality
yields. Abiotic stress factors, such as drought, heat and salinity, have severe, adverse effects on
growth and yield. The production of Irish potato in any part of Nigeria is an integral part of the
rural economy, as it is cultivated as a rain-fed and irrigated crop. Timing of both the rain fed and
irrigated cultivation is often misplaced, which adversely affect growth and yield in some hot
climate areas in some States in Nigeria.The research was experimented with cultivation of Irish
potatoes under Makurdi climate in Benue valley - an area believe to be hot, not suitable for
cultivating Irish potatoes. The soil of the area was studied, to be sandy clay loam, with a pH of
6.67, which is suitable for the production of Irish Potato. Three 3 varieties of Irish potatoes
(Merabel,Nicola and Bertista) were used for the study.25 heads each of the seedlings was
planted. Merabel produced the lowest tubers of 86, Nicola 129 tubers and the highest by Bertista
with 181tubers. Bertista proved resistant to high temperatures, therefore the most suitable to be
cultivated under Benue valley climate at Makurdi. |
