Influence of early haulm killing of seed crops on subsequent sprouting,physiological ageing and tuber yield

Summary The production of healthy and high yielding seed potatoes is closely related to the control of virus diseases and to other cultural practices, like those modifying the physiological age of tubers. Seed crops from cv. Bonaerense La Ballenera MAA, were defoliated early in 3 seasons, 1983/84, 84/85 and 85/86. After harvest, the seed tubers were stored in heaps in the field and, later, their sprouting capacity and physiological age, and their tuber yield were evaluated. Results showed that early haulm killing did not affect these variables nor diminish the quality of the seed potatoes obtained.