秸秆粉碎覆盖栽培对马铃薯产量及经济性状的影响

地膜覆盖技术的推广应用造成了土壤与环境的污染,对旱作农业的可持续性发展带来严重挑战。为了降低农业生产对土壤、环境的污染,探索寻求新型的绿色环保覆盖高效模式,通过运用粉碎秸秆来代替地膜,设置秸秆粉碎覆盖垄作侧播处理,与当地常规种植模式对比,研究了秸秆粉碎覆盖栽培对马铃薯产量及经济性状的影响。结果表明,玉米秸秆粉碎覆盖栽培处理的保温保墒效果不及黑色全膜双垄侧播处理,但能明显提高马铃薯单株粒数和单株粒重,单株粒数提高0.4个/株,单株粒重提高0.05 kg/粒,从而明显提高大薯率,大薯率相比黑色全膜双垄侧播栽培模式提高6.0个百分点,进而提高马铃薯产量。秸秆粉碎覆盖栽培处理下产量最高,达到41339 kg/hm^2,较黑色全膜双垄侧播处理增产14.3%,较黑色半膜覆盖侧播处理增产28.1%,较露地穴播增产43.5%。因此,秸秆粉碎覆盖栽培是一项适宜半干旱区马铃薯生产种植的绿色环保覆盖高效栽培模式。     

How Planting Density Affects Number and Yield of Potato Minitubers in a Commercial Glasshouse Production System

Commercial potato minituber production systems aim at high tuber numbers per plant. This study investigated by which mechanisms planting density (25.0, 62.5 and 145.8 plants/m²) of in vitro derived plantlets affected minituber yield and minituber number per plantlet. Lowering planting density resulted in a slower increase in soil cover by the leaves and reduced the accumulated intercepted radiation (AIR). It initially also reduced light use efficiency (LUE) and harvest index, and thus tuber weights per m². At the commercial harvest 10 weeks after planting (WAP), LUE tended to be higher at lower densities. This compensated for the lower AIR and led to only slightly lower tuber yields. Lowering planting density increased tuber numbers per (planted) plantlet in all grades. It improved plantlet survival and increased stem numbers per plant. However, fewer stolons were produced per stem, whereas stolon numbers per plant were not affected. At lower densities, more tubers were initiated per stolon and the balance between initiation and later resorption of tubers was more favourable. Early interplant competition was thought to reduce the number of tubers initiated at higher densities, whereas later-occurring interplant competition resulted in a large fraction of the initiated tubers being resorbed at intermediate planting densities. At low planting densities, the high number of tubers initiated was also retained. Shortening of the production period could be considered at higher planting densities, because tuber number in the commercial grade > 9 mm did not increase any more after 6 WAP.     

株行距和施肥量对木薯产量及生长的影响

采用裂区试验设计方法,研究株行距和施肥量对华南5号木薯产量和生长的影响.结果表明:在本试验株行距和施肥量条件下,施肥量对木薯产量和生长的影响比株行距大.密植(0.6～0.8 m)有利于提高淀粉产量、鲜薯产量和鲜薯淀粉含量,以0.8m株行距最佳,而疏植(1.2～1.4m)有利于提高单株薯数、单株鲜薯重、单株鲜茎叶重、收获指数和茎径.施肥有利于提高淀粉产量、鲜薯产量、单株鲜薯重、单株鲜茎叶重、茎径、株高和单株薯数,但降低鲜薯淀粉含量和收获指数.丰产栽培技术要兼顾单位面积株数、单株鲜薯重和鲜薯淀粉含量.建议在土壤肥力差和少施肥时,用0.6 m株行距;土壤肥力中等且较高施肥时.采用0.8 m株行距;土壤肥力中上且优越水肥管理,采用1.0 m株行距.     

不同稻草覆盖量和栽培方式对广西冬作马铃薯产量的影响

2009～2010和2010～2011冬季生长季节,布置田间试验研究不同稻草覆盖和栽培方式对冬作马铃薯产量和产量构成的影响。在2009～2010年度,试验设置不同肥料用量,不同种植密度及不同稻草覆盖量3个影响因子。结果表明,种植密度为90 000株/hm(2D2)时,无论是商品薯还是非商品薯的产量均较高;而在施肥量较高的处理中(F2,1.2 t/hm2复合肥),商品薯的产量增加,非商品薯产量显著下降。在稻草覆盖处理M0.5(0.5 kg/m)2和M1(1.0 kg/m)2中,马铃薯的产量和产量构成没有显著差别。D2F2M0.5处理的产量最高,为15.0 t/hm2,其中商品薯的产量为13.0 t/hm2。在2010～2011年度,进一步研究了不同耕作方法(箱式耕作和垄式耕作)及不同稻草覆盖量(5个水平)对马铃薯产量和产量构成的影响。与垄式耕作方式相比,箱式耕作节约了一半的工作强度,但产量并没有下降。结果显示,当覆盖量为0.25 kg/m2时,获得的产量最高,为25.3 t/hm2。但是,非商品薯的产量和绿薯率均随着稻草覆盖量的减少而增加。在中国,每公顷的稻草产量约为5 000 kg。因此,考虑到实际条件的限制,在广西冬作区,选用箱式耕作的同时覆盖0.5 kg/m2的稻草是最为经济和高效的栽培方式。     

马铃薯不同种植方式对产量性状的影响

本文通过垄作、平作、堆作三种不同种植方式对马铃薯产量、商品薯率、植株性状表现等作了分析讨论。结果表明,不同种植方式对马铃薯产量影响较大。垄作种植产量最高,为2251 kg/667 m2,比堆作种植增产65.76%,增产达极显著水平,比平作种植增产21.82%,增产达显著水平;平作种植产量为1 848 kg/667 m2,位居第二,比堆作种植增产36.08%,增产达极显著水平。大中薯率垄作种植第一,为89.03%,比堆作种植高20.37个百分点;平作种植位居第二,为86.62%,比堆作种植高17.96个百分点。     

Effect of planting depth and hilling practices on total, U.S. No. 1, and field greening tuber yields

Previous research suggests that field greening of potato tubers can be minimized by planting seedpieces at an appropriate depth along with sufficient hilling to minimize exposure to sunlight. The appropriate planting depth and hilling practices to minimize field tuber greening have not been determined for newer cultivars. Two separate studies, each conducted for three years, are reported here. The first measured the effect of seedpiece planting depth on the yield, quality, and field greening tuber yield of ‘Russet Burbank’, ‘Frontier Russet’, and ‘Shepody’ potatoes. Seedpieces were handplanted in pre-formed hills at 8, 15, or 23 cm measured from the top of the seedpiece to the top of the hill. Planting at 23 cm resulted in significantly lower total yield compared with the 8- and 15-cm depths for Russet Burbank and Frontier Russet, but planting depth did not affect total yield of Shepody. U.S. No. 1 yield of Russet Burbank was not affected by planting depth, but U.S. No. 1 yield of Frontier Russet was significantly less at the 23-cm depth. For Shepody, the 8-cm depth caused a significant reduction in U.S. No. 1 yield compared with the 15-cm depth. Field greening tuber yield of Russet Burbank was significantly less at the 23-cm planting depth compared to 8 cm. For Frontier Russet and Shepody, planting at 15 or 23 cm resulted in significantly less field tuber greening compared to the 8-cm depth. The second experiment examined the effects of planting depth and hilling practices on yield, quality, and field tuber greening of Russet Burbank and Gem Russet potatoes. Six planting depth and hilling treatment combinations were used. Seedpieces were planted at a depth of either 8 or 15 cm, then hilled to either 15 or 23 cm at emergence or after plants had formed a rosette of leaves approximately 10 cm in diameter (post-emergence hilling). At-emergence hilling treatments had no effect on total or U.S. No. 1 yields of Russet Burbank compared with the 15-cm planting depth, non-hilled control. However, all post-emergence hilling treatments significantly reduced Russet Burbank total and U.S. No. 1 yields. Planting Russet Burbank at 8 cm and hilling to 23 cm at emergence, or planting at 8 or 15 cm and hilling to 23 cm post-emergence reduced field tuber greening of Russet Burbank. The effects of planting depth and hilling on Gem Russet total and U.S. No. 1 yields were less definitive than for Russet Burbank, and no treatments significantly reduced field tuber greening yield compared with the control.     

Effect of whole seed tuber size and pre-plant storage conditions on yield and tuber size distribution of Russet Burbank

Field experiments were conducted in 1995, 1996, and 1997 at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Harrington Research Farm to assess the effect of whole seed tuber size and pre-plant seed storage conditions on processing yield (> 51 mm dia.) of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv Russet Burbank). Following commercial storage, seed tubers were stored at 4.4 C then subjected to one of three pre-plant treatments: (1) planted directly from storage, (2) held at 10 C for 3 wk before planting, or (3) green-sprouted for 3 wk before planting. Five sizes of whole seed were used (28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 g) with a variable size cut seed treatment added for comparison. Plots were harvested 138,134, and 131 days after planting in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively. Cut seed produced a higher yield of tubers > 51 mm diameter in comparison to all whole tuber seed sizes, with the exception of the 28 and 56 g sizes. In terms of total yield, the 28and 42-g whole seed tubers yielded significantly less than all other seed sizes examined. Warming or greensprouting seed tubers prior to planting did not increase tuber yield. The larger whole seed tuber sizes tended to result in greater numbers of stems and tubers per plant. To maximize marketable yield of Russet Burbank planted from whole seed tubers, it is recommended that the seed be between 28 and 42 g in size. Accepted for publication 25 May 2004.     

大垄栽培条件下的土壤环境与马铃薯产量

试验进行了大垄与小垄两种栽培模式下的一些土壤环境因子及马铃薯产量的差异研究,结果表明:大垄栽培改善了结薯区及根区的土壤生态环境,使该区的土壤容重和出苗后10￣25cm耕层土壤温度显著降低;使20￣30cm土壤含水量显著地增加;促进了养分释放;大垄栽培相对于小垄使马铃薯总产量和商品薯产量明显增加,且均达到极显著水平。大垄栽培使总产增加24.31%,商品薯产量增加得更大,达到61.74%。大垄栽培是可以在黑龙江省大范围推广的栽培方式。     

马铃薯节水栽培模式试验研究

以定薯1号为试验材料,在定西市安定区团结乡和定西市旱作农业科研推广中心两个试验点设置了白地膜全膜双垄沟播种、黑地膜全膜双垄沟播种、白地膜半膜垄上播种、黑地膜半膜垄上播种、白地膜半膜垄侧播种、黑地膜半膜垄侧播种和露地种植（CK）共7个处理的节水模式比较试验。结果表明：黑膜全膜覆盖的出苗率、大薯率、产量和成本均明显优于其他栽培模式,折合产量30 326 kg/hm2,较对照增产8 537 kg/hm2,增幅达39.2%,大薯率达82.3%。     

马铃薯无性一代植株性状相关及通径分析

本文对马铃薯30个杂交组合无性一代的14个性状与单株产量的相关关系作了估算,其中无效生育期、播后74天和92天冠层覆盖度、平均冠层覆盖度、最高冠层覆盖度、有效生育期、单株块茎数、单块重8个性状与单株产量的相关性达显著或极显著水平。进而对影响单株产量(y)的平均冠层覆盖度(x_1),有效生育期(x_2)、单株块茎数(x_3)、单个块茎重(x_4)进行通径分析。结果表明,该4个性状决定单株产量变异的94.61％,说明这4个性状是影响单株产量的决定因素。     

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Time on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Chinese Potato Variety KX 13

Application time of nitrogen (N) fertilizer can significantly influence the yield and quality of potato tubers. The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of N application time on dry matter accumulation in foliage and tubers, as well as on marketable tuber ratio, dry matter concentration, and specific gravity of the Chinese cultivar KX 13. The four treatments were as follows: all the 150 kg?N?ha^?1 applied at planting (T1); 100 kg N ha^?1 applied at planting and 50 kg N ha^?1 applied 1 week before tuber initiation (20 days after emergence, DAE) (T2); 100 kg N ha^?1 applied at planting and 50 kg N ha^?1 applied 1 week before tuber bulking stage (35 DAE) (T3); and 100 kg?N?ha^?1 applied at emergence and 50 kg N ha^?1 applied 1 week before tuber bulking stage (35 DAE) (T4). For all treatments, 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 ((NH₄)₂HPO₄) and 150 kg K₂O ha^?1 (K₂SO₄) were applied at planting. Thirty tons per hectare of marketable tuber yield was achieved with T3, while 23 t ha^?1 marketable yield was achieved by applying all 150 kg N ha^?1 at planting (T1). Relative to treatment T1, T3 also significantly increased harvest index (HI) from 0.76 to 0.86 and marketable tuber ratio from 64.8% to 79.2%. Applying N at planting in conjunction with dressing at 20 DAE (T2) gave a high marketable tuber ratio (74%) and HI (0.86), but the lower total tuber yield led to a lower marketable tuber yield. Without N application at planting (T4), N dressing did not increase the yield and HI. Treatments with N dressing had no significant effect on specific gravity or dry matter concentration of tubers.     

高海拔(西藏)半干旱地区玉米全膜双垄沟播栽培技术探析

采用田间试验,设全膜双垄沟播、全膜平作和裸地平作3种种植方式,测定玉米各生育时期的土壤含水量、干物质量、光和速率、产量和产量构成因子,分析不同处理的土壤耗水量、贮水量、含水量垂直变化以及水分利用效率,探讨全膜双垄沟播下玉米土壤水分的动态变化和利用效率。结果表明,覆膜可使玉米出苗提前2 d,促进玉米前期营养生长并提前灌浆5 d,覆膜处理的整个生育期缩短8 d。全膜双垄沟播处理的产量和水分利用效率最高,分别为27 309 kg/hm~2、69.2 kg/(hm~2·mm),同时生育期耗水量最小(394.5 mm),能够提前灌浆,减少灌浆时期耗水量。收获后,全膜平作和裸地平作处理的土壤水分出现亏缺,各土层贮水量均减少,全膜双垄沟播处理的各土层土壤含水量均高于播前。全膜双垄沟播处理的玉米净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)和气孔导度(Gs)显著高于其他处理,收获时各处理的子粒和秸秆干物质累积量均表现为全膜双垄沟播全膜平作裸地平作。     

Impact of early-season water deficits on Russet Burbank plant development,tuber yield and quality

Russet Burbank potatoes grown on Owyhee silt loam were subjected to early-season moisture stress by delaying initiation of furrow irrigation up to seven weeks after planting. A range of water stress treatments from 4 to 7 weeks after planting resulted in reduced plant size, tuber number and total tuber weight per plant 8 1/2 weeks after planting. Early-season water stress resulting from delayed irrigation onset was associated with improved tuber quality at harvest. Plants water stressed before tuber initiation had fewer tubers with dark stem-end fry colors, reduced percentage of US No. 2 potatoes, and increased percentage and size of US No. 1 potatoes. Increasing duration of soil water potential below -60 kPa early in the season was associated with declining total yield in 1985 but not in 1986. To obtain optimum yield and processing quality, the first irrigation should be no sooner than full plant emergence.     

Comparative performance of different-sized seed tubers derived from true potato seed

The growth and yield of plants from different-sized seed tubers derived from true potato seed were evaluated on a per stem, per plant, and per unit area basis using either single or multiple-sprout tubers. In single-sprout tubers, haulm dry weight per stem 47 days after planting was greater in the 40–60 g tubers when compared with that in the 5–10 g or the 10–20 g tubers. This resulted in greater tuber weight per stem in the 40–60 g tubers throughout the growing season. The number of tubers per stem was not affected by seed tuber size. In multiple-sprout seed tubers of increasing size, total tuber number and total tuber weight, as well as weight of those tubers larger than 45 mm, increased on a per plant basis but decreased on a per stem basis. At different rates of planting, 1–5 g seed tubers produced smaller tubers than 5–10 g or 10–20 g seed tubers. Increased rate of planting resulted in non-significant yield increases per unit area in plots planted with 1–5 g seed tubers. The yield increases were significant when 5–10 g and 10–20 g seed tubers were planted at higher rates. The number of main stems per unit of seed tuber weight was five times greater in 1–5 g tubers compared with that in 40–60 g tubers. This resulted in low seed weights per hectare when small tubers were planted and in a high ratio of harvested to planted tuber weight.     

Varietal differences in the response of potatoes to repeated short periods of water stress in hot climates. 2. Tuber yield and dry matter accumulation and other tuber properties

Summary The effect of repeated short periods of water stress during the hot season on six potato cultivars was investigated. The number of tubers per plant tended to decrease in response to water stress in cultivars which had more than 9.8 tubers per control plant (Désirée, Alpha, Elvira). In the other cultivars, no consistent effect of water stress on tuber number per plant was observed. Except for Spunta, the percentage of large tubers (>60 g/tuber) was reduced in the water-stressed plants. Consequently, the average weight of these tubers was greater than that of tubers harvested from the unstressed plants, indicating that the sink force of the individual tuber was not impaired by drought. However, tuber yield per plant was reduced due to drought in all cultivars tested. The smallest decrease in dry matter accumulation as well as the greatest lowering of the osmotic potential in the tuber tissue was found in Alpha. No consistent effect of water stress on the percentage of misshapen and sprouting tubers was observed, indicating the marked effect of the high temperature on these traits. Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel, No 310-E, 1981 series. This investigation was sponsored by a grant from the Ministry for Development Cooperation of the Netherlands.     

Yield-enhancing and tuber-downsizing effects of transplantation cultivation method of case-held tuber seedlings in the sweet potato cultivar Beniharuka

We developed transplantation cultivation method of case-held tuber seedlings (CTS), which was derived from direct planting method of seed tubers, and applied this method to the sweet potato cultivar Beniharuka. A plastic case made of polypropylene was designed for cultivation of CTS. Seed tubers of cultivar Beniharuka in the range of 30–80 g were cut in half. The half-cut tubers were placed inside the plastic cases, and the cases were filled with a commercial soil mix. The case-held tubers were incubated under natural sunlight in a glass house. After 3–4 wk, the CTS were transplanted into a field. Mother tuber (seed tuber) enlargement was suppressed by the plastic confinement of the cases, and daughter tubers were formed above the case as vine-root-originated tubers. In the field experiments in 2012 and 2013, daughter tuber yields were increased 19% and 21% by case-held tuber seedling transplanting (CTST) over conventional vine-planting (VP), the number of daughter tubers per plant in CTST were 36 and 68% higher than in VP, and the mother tuber yields were limited to 2.1 and 4.3% of the total fresh yield of mother and daughter tubers, respectively in 2012 and 2013. Application of CTST method to cultivar Beniharuka enhanced tuber yield, increased the number of daughter tubers per plant, downsized daughter tubers compared to VP, and mother tuber enlargement was suppressed by case-holding. The CTST method is expected to produce more and smaller good in shape tubers of cultivar Beniharuka compared to VP.     

Growth-room and field studies with seed tubers treated with ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) during storage

Based on ethylene management in potato storage, we hypothesized that the applied treatments would modify number of sprouts per seed tuber. Thus, in combination with in-row spacing (closer for seed, wider for processing) in the field treatments will give either (1) a high number of small tubers destined for seed use, or (2) a relatively smaller number of large, uniform tubers suitable for processing. A three-year study (2001–2003), conducted with two french fry processing cultivars, Russet Burbank (RB) and Shepody (SH), aimed at the development of a novel modified atmosphere seed tuber storage treatment. Seed tubers were stored at 4 C from October to May of each year in a cold room under five modified atmospheric regimes: (1) air ventilation only (Control); (2) 4 µl L^?1 ethylene applied continuously beginning in November and (3) beginning in February; (4) 1 µ1 L^?1 MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) applied as a gas for 48 h only in early December followed by continuous 4 µl L^?1 ethylene and (5) MCP alone applied as above. Each year, once a month (mid-January until end of April), a number of seed tubers was taken from each storage treatment, planted to pots and grown for 4 wk in a growth-room. In these studies, shoot emergence from the ethylene-treated seeds of both cultivars occurred significantly earlier, giving higher number of stems per tuber and stolons per stem than Control and MCP treatments. Moreover, the time to emergence after planting decreased with the increased length of storage. Field studies that were conducted from the end of May (planting) until October each year, produced similar trends (although not significant atP≤0.05) and resulted in a higher number of tubers per stem. In RB at the closer in row spacing (30 cm) used for seed production, ethylene enhanced yield of smaller tubers in the 30- to 115-g and 115- to 300-g categories. The ethylene storage treatments also increased tuber number per plant, but not the total mass of harvested potatoes. The MCP treatment, in combination with the wider in-row spacing (40 cm) used for the production of processing tubers, significantly increased the percentage of large tubers (>300 g). In SH, contrary to RB, the ethylene treatments did not alter tuber size distribution and the application of MCP reduced tuber size rather than increasing it. Results from this study suggest that both ethylene and MCP can be used in seed potato storage to influence the tuber size distribution of the crop from that seed.     

Furrow vs hill planting of sprinkler-irrigated russet burbank potatoes on coarse-textured soils

Surface water runoff from the hill, where potatoes are planted, to the furrow may exacerbate potato drought sensitivity. Planting into furrows and constructing midrow ridges may improve water use efficiency and relieve water stress on potato by directing water toward, not away from, the plants. A 3-year field study was conducted to compare yields and tuber size distributions of furrow- and hill-planted potato (Solanum tuberosum L., ‘Russet Burbank’) on coarse-textured, well-drained soils under sprinkler irrigation. A split-plot experimental design with main plots of row orientation (N-S vs E-W) and subplots of planting method (hill and furrow) combined with two planting depths was used at two central North Dakota sites. Except for planting method and limiting the post-emergence cultivation in the furrow treatments, all cultural practices (fertilizer, irrigation, etc.) were identical and corresponded with conventional practices for hill planted potato. Row orientation did not affect yield for any tuber size category. Averaged over 3 years, furrow-planted potato produced 24% larger tubers (188 vs 151 g), 31% smaller yield for tubers <113 g (4.99 vs 7.21 Mg ha^?1), 28% smaller yield for tubers 113 to 170 g (8.14 vs 11.3 Mg ha^?1), 8% larger yields for tubers 170 to 283 g (18.0 vs 16.6 Mg ha^?1), 103% larger yields for tubers 283 to 454 g (10.9 vs 5.36 Mg ha^?1), 341% larger yields for tubers >454 g (2.65 vs 0.60 Mg ha^?1), and 10% larger total yields (46.2 vs 41.9 Mg ha^?1) compared with hill-planted potato. There were no differences in tuber specific gravity. Preliminary soil water measurements indicated an inter-row water-harvesting effect for furrow planting compared with hill planting. The furrow-planting method may offer significant potential for ameliorating the drought sensitivity of potato.     

稻田粉垄冬种马铃薯试验

利用粉垄栽培技术在国内首次进行稻田粉垄冬种马铃薯试验,探索粉垄栽培技术对马铃薯的增产效应。以荷兰15为试验材料,进行在稻田粉垄栽培和传统栽培冬种对比试验,粉垄整地稻田耕层深度为20 cm、松土厚度达30 cm,分别比传统整地增加5 cm和10 cm。试验结果显示:与传统栽培方式(CK)相比,粉垄栽培的马铃薯株高增加33.03%,根系数量和长度分别增加37.56%、52.04%;产量增加25.05%,商品薯率增加3.7个百分点。表明粉垄栽培技术可以增加马铃薯的产量,并提高商品薯的比例。     

Tillage and seed-sprouting strategies to improve potato yield and quality in short season climates

Management practices that accelerate crop development and allow earlier harvest would be beneficial in short-season potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production areas. Yield and quality of the potato cultivar ‘Russet Burbank’ were evaluated in a 2-yr study in northern Maine to determine effects of soil tillage and seedsprouting treatments designed to dry soil early in the spring and hasten seed emergence. The tillage treatments, consisting of fall raised bed (RB), fall ridge till (RT), and spring chisel plow (CH), were tested in combination with green-sprouted and non-sprouted seed tubers on a Caribou gravelly loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, frigid,Typic Haplorthod). Plants from green-sprouted seed emerged earlier than from non-sprouted seed tubers (87%-96% vs 21%-37%, respectively, at 18 days after planting [DAP] in 2000; and 73%-88% vs 18%-23%, respectively, at 20 DAP in 2001). Green-sprouted seed tubers in RB yielded 4.6 to 5.9 T ha^-1 more than nonsprouted seed tubers in RB. However, non-sprouted seed tubers yielded higher than green-sprouted seed tubers in RT by 2.9 to 4.2 T ha^-1 and in CH by 1.1 to 4.1 T ha^-1. Similarly, green-sprouted seed tubers in RB and nonsprouted seed tubers in RT and CH produced higher marketable yield, greater tuber length, and greater tuber diameter than the corresponding seed-sprouting treatment. In the comparatively wetter year (2000), the use of green-sprouted seed tubers in RB significantly increased total and marketable yields, and produced longer and larger tubers than all other treatments. However, in 2001 (relatively dry year), yield and quality from green-sprouted seed tubers in RB did not differ from non-sprouted seed in RT or CH. Green-sprouted seed produced fewer sunburned and rotten tubers, but more misshapen tubers than non-sprouted seed in RB tillage. The technique of producing Russet Burbank potatoes in raised beds is a promising system in regions with short growing seasons for enhancing early soil drainage during spring and improving soil water retention during critical periods of crop growth and development.