Environment and the Growth of the Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) in Tropical East Africa

Abstract

Potatoes grown at 3,000 and 600 ft. a.s.l. at 5° S. in Tanganyika Territory from Kenya-grown commercial seed of Kerr's Pink can give yields of ware similar to English yields provided that (a) the soils are manured on a scale comparable with that of moderate English practice, and (b) the plants receive enough water throughout life. Given these conditions the supposed depressing effect of short day-length, ranging between 11·7S and 12·35 hrs., and high temperatures, such as mean monthly maximum air-temperatures between 2610 and 2810 C. (80°-83° F.), is of no practical importance. It should be noted that Kerr's Pink is a main crop variety, which matures during the shortening days of the English autumn and is perhaps day-neutral in its response to photoperiodism. The above-mentioned conclusions, therefore, hold good only for