Association of Agrometeorologists

Effect of intra-seasonal variation in temperature on tuber yield of potato in middle Gujarat using SUBSTOR model

D. D. PATIL, VYAS PANDEY, R. R. ACHARYA and L. N. BARAIYA

Three years (2014-15 to 2016-17) experimental data collected at Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand was used to calibrate and validate the SUBSTOR- potato model for three cultivars of potato (K. Badshah, K. Lokhar and K. Pokhraj). The validated model was used to simulate the tuber yield by changing the maximum and minimum temperature (+30 to -30C)in different months (November, December, January and February). Results revealed that the elevated temperature had negative effect on tuber yield and reduced temperature had positive effect on tuber yield. Among the varieties, K. Lokhar was least affected by the temperature variation. K. Pokhraj was found to be most sensitive to elevated temperature, while K. Badshah was most beneficial in reduced temperature. Temperature variation during December and January was found to have maximum effect on normal sown potato crop. The effect of minimum temperature on tuber yield was more than that observed with maximum temperature.

Intra-seasonal temperature, potato, SUBSTOR model