Effects of soil applications of gibberellic acid on the yield and quality of tubers ofSolanum tuberosum L. cv. Bintje

Summary In two outdoor pot experiments with potato (cv. Bintje) gibberellic acid (GA) was applied to the soil on different dates at 25 (Exp. 1) or 12.5 (Exp. 2) mg/pot. Dry-matter yields were reduced by early treatments in Exp. 1. In both experiments fresh yields were increased by an application about 40 days or later after planting (DAP). GA increased the number of tubers, especially when applied 38 or 40 DAP, treatments which also induced the largest shift in size distribution towards the smaller grades. GA reduced the dry-matter content of the tubers, especially when applied 60 (Exp. 1) or 48 (Exp. 2) DAP. Because the development over time of sensitivity to GA was not similar for all yield and quality variables, GA can be used to alter tuber-size distribution without greatly affecting other quality characteristies or yield.