Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Planting Density on the Lignin Synthesis in the Culm in Relation to Lodging Resistance of Buckwheat

Abstract

Lodging is an important constraint limiting buckwheat yield and quality by bending or breaking culm on buckwheat production worldwide. This study was conducted with Ningqiao 01, a moderate lodging resistance cultivar of buckwheat, to determine whether lignin synthesis and lodging resistance of buckwheat are affected by nitrogen fertilizer and planting density. The results showed that the lignin content at the bottom of the 2nd internode was significantly and negatively correlated with lodging index and lodging percentage, but significantly and positively correlated with snapping resistance. The snapping resistance rose and then fell with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer. The snapping resistance decreased with the increase of planting density. The lodging index increased with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer and planting density. The lignin content and its related enzymes activities decreased with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer and planting density. These results suggested that the lignin content is closely related to the lodging resistance of buckwheat, and a higher lignin content could strengthen the lodging resistance of buckwheat. The increase of nitrogen fertilizer and planting density significantly increased the risk of lodging by decreasing the lignin content and its related enzymes activities at the bottom of the 2nd internode.     

宽幅条播和种植密度对燕麦抗倒伏性及产量的影响

为明确宽幅条播对燕麦抗倒伏性和产量的调节作用及其适宜种植密度,于2019-2020年,通过裂区试验,设置2种播种方式（宽幅条播和常规条播）和三个种植密度水平［300×10株·hm^-2（D1）、450×10株·hm^-2（D2）、600×10株·hm^-2（D3）］,分析了播种方式与种植密度对燕麦植株抗倒伏性和籽粒产量的影响。结果表明,同一种植密度下,宽幅条播的燕麦茎秆机械强度、茎粗、壁厚均显著高于常规条播。在籽粒灌浆期,与常规条播相比,宽幅条播的燕麦基部第二节间机械强度在 D1、D2、D3下分别提高9.3%、11.6%和17.0%,茎粗分别增加7.3%、7.6%和7.3%,株高分别降低2.3%、1.9%和3.0%,重心高度分别下降 6.5%、7.8%和 6.0%。相比于常规条播,燕麦宽幅条播主要通过增加穗数来增产。在D1、D2、D3下,宽幅条播的两年平均产量较常规条播分别增加了8.6%、9.3%和14.5%。随着种植密度的增加,两种播种方式下燕麦茎秆机械强度、茎粗、壁厚均呈减小趋势,株高、重心高度、节间长均呈增加趋势,但宽幅条播的各指标变化幅度均小于常规条播。因此,生产中采用宽幅条播可显著提高燕麦茎秆抗倒伏能力和籽粒产量,适当增加种植密度,可实现燕麦抗倒性与产量协同提高;本试验条件下,宽幅条播燕麦达到最高产的密度为600×10 株·hm^-2。     

冀东地区种植密度对小麦京冬8号抗倒伏能力和产量的影响

为明确冀东地区种植密度对冬小麦抗倒伏能力和产量的影响,于2011-2013年度以当地推广的冬小麦品种京冬8号为材料,设每公顷375万、525万、675万和825万株4个种植密度处理,分析了不同密度下小麦茎秆质量、抗倒伏指数和产量的差异.结果表明,密度增大使小麦基部第1节间增长,增加了基部节间长在茎长中所占的比例、株高和重心高度,导致茎秆变细,茎秆机械强度和抗倒伏指数降低.当密度达到每公顷675万株时,小麦出现倒伏,密度再增加,倒伏时间提前,倒伏程度增大.群体干物质积累量在生育前期随密度增加而增加,但大密度导致植株分蘖衰亡较多,降低生育后期干物质生产能力,至成熟时以每公顷525万株的干物质积累量和花前营养器官贮存干物质向籽粒的运转量最多.虽然每公顷675万株的有效穗数最多,但由于倒伏严重,其千粒重最轻,每公顷825万株的有效穗数和穗粒数均较少,因此这两个高密度处理的产量均较低.综合来看,在冀东地区,适期播种条件下,小麦京冬8号以种植密度为每公顷375万～525万株为宜,此密度下茎秆质量较高,抗倒伏能力较强,产量较高.     

不同抗倒能力玉米品种物质生产与分配及产量性状研究

2005～2006年以4个不同耐密性品种为材料,研究玉米不同抗倒能力对光合物质生产及其产量的影响.结果表明,当稀植(52 500株/hm2)条件下,大穗品种京科518和京科519的丰产优势明显,叶面积指数、群体光合势、单株干重和群体干物质积累量均较高,其产量显著高于耐密品种登海3719;当群体密度大于75 000株/hm2以上时,发生倒伏,两品种绿叶面积和光合性能下降,群体干物质积累减少,有效收获穗数显著降低,产量明显下降.从玉米抽雄前到生理成熟期,根系干重所占比例越高,植株抗倒伏能力越强;玉米抽雄前单株干重和根干重所占比例与倒伏率呈显著负相关,相关系数分别达-0.5405*和-0.5302*.田间倒伏对产量有较大影响,选用在吐丝前根系发达、干物质积累多的玉米品种抗倒能力强,是实现在大群体条件下创高产的保障.     

密度和施氮量对强筋小麦藁优2018产量和抗倒性的影响

为明确减量播种和减施氮肥对强筋小麦品种藁优2018茎秆质量和抗倒性的影响,采用双因素裂区试验,研究了种植密度(D210,210万株·hm-2;D330,330万株·hm-2;D450,450万株·hm-2)和施氮量(N0,0kg·hm-2;N120,120kg·hm-2;N240,240kg·hm-2)对小麦倒伏高发期茎秆形态的影响,以及抗倒伏指数与茎秆形态指标的相关性。结果表明,在籽粒形成期和蜡熟期,密度由D210增加至D330,小麦茎秆重心高度显著增加,基部节间充实度、秆壁厚度、茎秆机械强度和抗倒伏指数降低;茎秆重心高度以N0最小,N240最高;基部节间秆壁厚度在3个施氮量处理间差异不显著;茎秆充实度、茎秆机械强度和抗倒伏指数随施氮量增加呈降低趋势,但在乳熟期和蜡熟期N120和N240差异不显著。相关分析表明,基部第1节间抗倒伏指数与节间粗度、充实度和第1节间秆壁厚度呈极显著正相关,与第2节间秆壁厚度相关性不显著。逐步回归分析表明,种植密度对小麦抗倒性的影响大于施氮水平。籽粒产量在不同密度处理间差异性不显著,但在不同施氮量间表现为N120和N240处理显著高于N0处理。因此,210万株·hm-2至330万株·hm-2的种植密度和120kg·hm-2的氮素水平在获得较高产量的同时具有较强的抗倒伏能力,是本试验条件下小麦抗倒高产的最优组合。     

种植密度对3个紧凑型玉米品种抗倒伏性和产量的影响

以郑单958、先玉335、浚单20为材料,研究不同密度下3个紧凑型玉米品种抗倒伏性和产量的影响。结果表明,随着密度增加,3个玉米品种的倒伏率逐渐升高,平均倒伏率浚单20先玉335郑单958。随着密度增加,玉米株高、穗位高、穗高系数均逐渐升高,玉米倒伏率与穗位高呈极显著正相关,与株高和穗高系数相关性不显著。玉米茎秆穿刺强度随着节位的上升呈下降趋势,随着密度增加,茎秆穿刺强度逐渐降低,不同密度下每一节的穿刺强度均为先玉335郑单958浚单20,不同节间的穿刺强度表现为第二节第三节第四节第五节第六节。随着密度增加,玉米穗行数、穗粒数和百粒重均呈降低趋势,行粒数在不同品种间表现不同,郑单958和先玉335均呈下降趋势,浚单20则先升后降。随着密度增加,郑单958、先玉335的产量表现为先升高后降低的趋势,在7.5万株/hm2时达最高值,分别为13 141.5、14 324.2 kg/hm~2,浚单20呈下降趋势。因此,与郑单958和浚单20相比,先玉335在冀西北地区种植抗倒伏且获得高产。     

化控技术对玉米植株抗倒伏性状、农艺性状及产量的影响

以不同抗倒伏性的2个品种为材料,研究了化控技术对玉米植株抗倒伏性状、农艺性状及产量的影响。结果表明,化学调节剂能降低植株高度、穗位下部节间长度、穗高系数,节间直径、茎粗系数、干重、干物质百分比、单位茎长干物重、粗纤维含量、气生根和总根数显著增加。茎秆抗倒伏性状与农艺性状密切相关,化控处理降低了空秆率和秃尖长,提高了行粒数和穗粒重,最终提高了产量。化控处理对非抗倒伏品种郑单958的产量增加尤为明显。     

Integrated effect of population and weed management regimes on weed dynamics,performance, and productivity of basmati rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Weeds caused serious problem on yield reduction of basmati rice worldwide. Losses caused by weeds varied from one country to another, depending on the presence of dominant weeds and the control methods practiced by farmers; therefore, suitable plant population and weed management practices should be adopted. Keeping these in mind, a field experiment was carried out during kharif seasons of 2009 and 2010 at crop Research Centre of SVPUA&T, Meerut, India comprising 4 planting geometries, viz. 20, 30, 40, and 50 hills m^?2 as main plot factor, and 5 weed management practices (Butachlor @ 1.0 kg ha^?1, Butachlor @ 1.0 kg ha^?1 fb (followed by) one hand weeding, Butachlor @ 1.0 kg ha^?1 fb Almix @ 4 g ha^?1, two hand weedings and weedy check) in a split plot design with 3 replications. Experimental results revealed that plant population of 50 hills m^?2 proved superior over that of 20 hills m^?2 in respect of weed density, weed dry weight, number of tillers m^?2, yield attributes, grain, straw, and biological yields. The maximum grain yield (29.00 and 31.00 q ha^?1) and straw yield (51.30 and 52.50 q ha^?1) were recorded in 50 hills m^?2 followed by 40 hills m^?2 during 2009 and 2010, respectively. In respect of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium removal, a reverse trend was observed: the highest in 20 hills m^?2 followed by 30, 40, and 50 hills m^?2. As far as the weed management practices are concerned, both chemical and mechanical methods of weed control were found superior over weedy check. The lowest weed density, dry weight, and highest weed control efficiency, maximum length of panicle^?1, number of panicle (m²), and 1000-grain weight and grain yield of 30.40 and 32.60 q ha^?1 were recorded with two hand weedings which was at par with Butachlor @ 1.0 kg ha^?1 fb one hand weeding over rest of the weed management practices.     

植物生长调节剂拌种对扬麦13茎秆生长及籽粒产量的影响

为给高产小麦合理选用生长调节剂提供科学依据,以弱筋小麦扬麦13为试验材料,研究了不同生长调节剂(矮壮素、拌种剂、种衣剂、多效唑)拌种对不同群体小麦茎秆生长及籽粒产量的调节效应。结果表明,拌种处理均能有效降低扬麦13的株高、重心高度及基部节间长度,对茎秆粗度、茎壁厚度、茎秆干重的调节效应因生长调节剂种类不同而存在差异,其中,低密度条件下拌种剂处理的小麦茎壁厚度增加显著,而高密度条件下多效唑处理小麦的茎壁厚度增加显著。生长调节剂拌种处理提高了扬麦13的抗倒伏能力,其作用效果表现为多效唑种衣剂拌种剂矮壮素。相关分析表明,降低植株株高、基部第一节间长度,增加基部第一、二节间壁厚有利于提高植株抗倒性能。拌种处理下小麦产量均高于对照,300×104株·hm-2群体的产量高于150×104株·hm-2群体,均以种衣剂拌种处理增产最明显,平均增幅达11.68%,在倒伏年拌种处理增产效果更显著。     

宁夏引黄灌区春小麦抗倒性研究

为明确宁夏灌区春小麦抗倒伏相关性状的遗传变异及影响抗倒性的关键因素,以20份宁夏引黄灌区主要春小麦品种（系）为试验材料,测定和分析了12个与抗倒性相关的性状。结果表明,不同品种（系）间抗倒性差异显著,其中宁春56号和08选-1茎秆强度高,抗倒能力突出。春小麦倒伏指数与茎秆强度呈极显著负相关,与茎基部第二节间长呈极显著正相关,与株高呈显著正相关,其中茎秆强度是影响小麦抗倒性的关键指标。因此,缩短茎基部节间长度,降低株高和重心高度,增强茎秆强度是宁夏灌区春小麦抗倒伏育种的主要途径。     

Seed Treatment with Uniconazole Powder Improves Soybean Seedling Growth under Shading by Corn in Relay Strip Intercropping System

The relay strip intercropping system of wheat-corn-soybean is widely used in southwest China. However, it is hard to obtain a stable production of soybean with this system, since soybean plants grow under shading by corn; the stems are thinner and susceptible to lodging. We examined the effects of seed treatment with uniconazole powder (0, 2, 4 and 8 mg kg-¹ seed) on the growth of soybean seedlings under relay strip intercropping, some morphological characteristics and yield. The seedling height, first internode length, cotyledonary node height and leaf area per plant were decreased, while the stem diameter, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, root volume, leaf greenness and root to shoot dry weight ratio were increased by uniconazole treatment. The root vigor and root active absorption area were also increased significantly by uniconazole treatment. Moreover, 2 and 4 mg kg-¹ uniconazole powder treatment increased shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield significantly. Thus, the results suggested that seed treatment with uniconazole powder at a suitable concentration can improve soybean seedling growth, resist the lodging and also increase the seed yield under shading by corn in relay strip intercropping system.     

播种方式和种植密度对冬小麦根系生长和产量的影响

为探究播种方式和种植密度对冬小麦根系生长和产量的影响,以新冬22号为材料,采用二因素裂区试验设计,主区设条播（DR）和匀播（UN）2种播种方式,副区设150万粒·hm^-2（D150）、225 万粒·hm^-2（D225）、300万粒·hm^-2（D300）和375万粒·hm^-2（D375）4种种植密度,比较分析了不同播种方式和种植密度下冬小麦根系形态特征、根系伤流量和产量的差异。结果表明,随种植密度的增加,小麦总根干重、总根长呈先增后减趋势,单株次生根数、根系伤流量呈减小趋势。与条播相比,匀播下小麦总根干重、总根长显著增加,差异主要在0~30 cm土层;单株次生根数、根系伤流量增加,差异主要在生育中后期;产量显著提高（增幅9.89%）,其中以D225处理最大。综上,匀播能够促进小麦根系的生长,提高根系活性,有利于高产;在本试验条件下匀播小麦以225万粒·hm^-2种植密度最佳。     

Lodging-related morphological traits of hybrid rice in a tropical irrigated ecosystem

Hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been proven to be effective in increasing yield potential, but lodging often limits its yield in high-yielding environments. This study was conducted to determine genotypic variation in lodging resistance and lodging-related morphological traits among hybrid and non-hybrid check varieties, and to identify the key morphological traits associated with lodging resistance. Lodging behavior of 16 rice genotypes, including 12 hybrids and four inbreds, was studied at the International Rice Research Institute farm during the 2004 wet season (WS) and 2005 dry season (DS). Grain yield and visual score of lodging were determined at maturity. Lodging-related morphological traits were measured at 30 days after flowering. Large genotypic differences in lodging-related morphological traits were observed. Among these traits, dry weight per unit length, breaking resistance, and lodging index (bending moment/breaking resistance × 100) of lower internodes were significantly correlated with visual score of lodging. Several hybrids demonstrated high lodging resistance although their average plant height was over 120 cm. The lodging-related morphological traits and visual score of lodging in these hybrids were comparable with those of the non-hybrid check varieties with strong lodging resistance. These results suggest that increases in dry weight per unit length and breaking resistance of lower internodes are primary targets for reducing lodging index, thus improving overall lodging resistance of hybrid rice in a breeding program.     

Rotating peanut into established bahiagrass pastures: identifying sustainable tillage operations

Integrating bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flueggé) into peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production systems can improve soil structure, and increase peanut yield. A study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 in north Florida to evaluate practices for planting peanut into bahiagrass with three tillage methods i.e.; strip till (ST), ST and high residue cultivation (ST/HRC), and conventional (CT) tillage. Tillage times were 30 d before planting (DATE1) and at planting (DATE2). Peanut grown under CT outyielded ST/HRC (6940, 6580, and 6370 kg ha^?1 for CT, ST, and ST/HRC, respectively), but there was no difference in economic return across treatments (adjusted revenue avg. = US $2478 ha^?1). Tillage DATE2 increased total root length compared with DATE1, particularly for CT and ST. The ST/HRC had increased total root length below 30 cm for DATE1. When peanut was planted into bahiagrass, conservation tillage practices maintained adjusted revenue comparable with CT while providing environmental benefits.     

不同施氮量和栽插密度下三角形强化栽培杂交稻抗倒伏性与群体质量的关系

 以杂交水稻组合Ⅱ优498为材料,在三角形强化栽培(TSRI)条件下,研究了施氮量和栽插密度对水稻群体质量及抗倒伏能力的影响,并探讨了主要群体质量指标与茎秆抗倒伏性及产量间的关系。结果表明,TSRI下,施氮量及栽插密度对水稻产量、群体质量以及茎秆基部各节间抗倒伏能力均存在显著的调控作用。施氮量为150 kg/hm2与栽插规格40 cm×40 cm配合可提高结实期叶面积指数(LAI)、群体透光率,协调茎秆基部各节间弯曲力矩与抗折弯矩,缓和高产栽培的穗粒矛盾,显著提高籽粒产量;而施氮量增加至225 kg/hm2,应适当降低栽插密度,来缓解群体质量指标的恶化,降低倒伏指数,栽插规格50 cm×50 cm为宜。相关性分析表明,不同施氮量和栽插密度下水稻群体质量指标与茎秆基部各节间抗倒伏能力显著或极显著相关;结合产量表现,尤以齐穗期、齐穗后30 d中部的群体透光率以及齐穗后30 d的根系伤流量对水稻产量及抗倒伏性影响显著。     

群体密度对夏玉米穗下茎秆性状及抗倒伏力学特性的影响

设置5个密度处理,2015～2016年研究种植密度对川中丘区夏玉米穗下茎节性状和抗倒伏力学特性的影响。结果表明,随群体密度增加,穗下由基部向上第2～5节节长增长;第3、5节7.50万株/hm~2密度处理较4.50万株/hm~2分别增加了19.04%、13.93%(2015)和22.84%和26.76%(2016);第6～8节变化不显著,穗下各节节粗变细。节干重、单位茎长干物质重、穿刺强度和压碎强度均随密度的增加而降低。相关分析结果表明,茎秆倒伏率与茎秆节间直径、茎秆干重、单位茎长干物质重呈极显著负相关,与种植密度、节间长度呈显著正相关;与第3～5节和第8节(穗下第1节)穿刺强度和压碎强度均呈极显著负相关,茎秆压碎强度和外皮穿刺强度相关系数为r=0.96**。     

Effect of seed piece removal on yield and agronomic characteristics of Russet Burbank potatoes

There is inadequate information available to ascertain the length of time seed pieces contribute to the yield and agronomic characteristics of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) under field conditions. Previous studies have not accounted for root system disturbance during seed piece removal. In 1994, 1995, and 1997 a field study was conducted using Russet Burbank to determine whether seed piece removal at each of three growth stages affects yield and agronomic characteristics. A trowel was used to tunnel into the side of potato hills to remove seed pieces by hand either at emergence, at 20- cm plant height, or at first bloom. Control plots consisted of plants with root systems disturbed on the same date as seed removal (disturbed control) or not treated (non-disturbed control). Seed pieces were analyzed for solids, sucrose, and reducing sugars before planting and after removal at each growth stage in 1997. Removing seed pieces or disturbing roots at all growth stages significantly decreased total and U.S. No. 1 yields compared with non- disturbed control. Total yield from plots disturbed at emergence was 37.8 Mg ha^-1 compared to 22.1 Mg ha^-1 when the seed pieces were removed. Disturbing seed pieces at emergence resulted in U.S. No. 1 yield of 21.2 Mg ha^-1 compared with 10.6 Mg ha^-1 when seed pieces were removed at the same growth stage. For U.S. No. 1 yield, a difference between removing the seed pieces and disturbing the root systems was still evident at the 20-cm plant height growth stage (15.4 Mg ha^-1 vs 20.3 Mg ha^-1, respectively). Disturbing plants at emergence or at 20-cm plant height growth stage reduced the number of tubers per plant to 8.8 for both treatments compared to 9.7 for the non-disturbed control. Removing seed pieces at these same growth stages further reduced tubers per plant to 6.9 and 7.6, respectively. Vines of plants with seed pieces removed at emergence were shorter and remained green later into the season compared with disturbed and non-disturbed control treatments. Percent solids in seed pieces decreased from 20.68 at planting to 5.03 at first bloom. Seed piece percent sucrose remained constant from planting through the 20-cm plant height growth stage and then fell to nearly zero at first bloom. Reducing sugar in the seed pieces atplanting and emergence was 0.67%, rose to 1.08% at the 20-cm plant height growth stage, and then decreased to 0.89% at first bloom.     

生长调节剂对黑小麦茎秆性状及其籽粒产量和品质的影响

为明确不同生长调节剂对黑小麦植株茎秆性状及其籽粒产量和品质的调控效应，以冬黑1号和临黑131为试验材料，在黑小麦起身期喷施不同生长调节剂（多效唑、甲哌胺鲜酯、矮壮素），研究其对黑小麦茎节间长、株高、倒伏级别、籽粒产量及构成因素和籽粒品质的影响。结果表明，与对照相比，喷施生长调节剂均能不同程度降低黑小麦株高、基部第1和第2节间长度、穗下节长度，增加基部节间粗度。其中，多效唑可降低黑小麦株高1.1~4.5 cm，第1和第2茎节粗平均减少1.2 cm和2.3 cm，穗下节减少1.7 cm，茎粗度增加0.55~1.65 mm；甲哌胺鲜酯对黑小麦株高的影响不明显，茎粗度增加0.1~1.35 mm；矮壮素可降低黑小麦株高0.5~1.2 cm，第1和第2茎节间长减少2.1 cm和2.8 cm，穗下节变化不明显，茎粗度增加0.2~0.8 mm。喷施生长调节剂使倒伏级别降低0.30~1.22级，多效唑降低程度显著。喷施多效唑使黑小麦茎秆木质素和纤维素含量显著增加。多效唑处理下，冬黑1号和临黑131产量分别为6 648.0和6 076.5 kg·hm^-2，均高于其他处理；甲哌胺鲜酯对黑小麦产量的影响不显著；矮壮素使黑小麦减产。喷施生长调节剂提高产量是通过提高单位面积有效穗数和穗粒数实现的。喷施多效唑显著增加了2个黑小麦品种籽粒蛋白质含量（3.7%~19.6%）。从茎秆指标和产量来看，在冬黑1号和临黑131拔节期喷施多效唑的效果较好。     

Population density studies with Russet Burbank II. The effect of fertilization and plant density on growth,development and yield

The response of Russet Burbank grown at five plant densities (4.0 to 11.1 × 10⁴ plants ha^?1), to level of fertilization was studied in field experiments at Guelph, Canada in the 1972 and 1973 growing seasons. Growth analysis techniques were used to establish growth patterns of Russet Burbank at three of the above plant densities (4.0,6.3 and 11.1 × 10⁴plants ha^?1), while the effect on root development of rate of fertilization was observed in controlled environments. In both seasons total tuber yield was not influenced by plant density, while marketable yield showed a negative response to increased density. The interaction between plant density and level of fertilization did not approach significance in either season. Due to greater axillary branching at the lower plant densities, leaf area index and photosynthetically active radiation measured at two levels in the canopy, were similar at all densities. Fertilizer levels used in the field showed no negative effect on root growth in experiments conducted in controlled environments. Marked variation in the number of mainstems and thus the number of tubers produced per plant between seasons indicated the importance of using the mainstem as the basic population unit.     

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.