The effect of simazine and cytokinins on potato tuber protein,nitrogen content and yield1,2

Summary Experiments were conducted on potted potato plants to evaluate the potential of simazine and cytokinins to increase tuber protein content. Foliar sprays with higher concentrations of simazine (2 to 4 mg per litre) decreased yield. Repeated applications during tuber development tended to increase tuber nitrogen content; however, large increases in nitrogen were difficult to reproduce. Weekly applications of simazine (150 ml of 0.025 to 0.2μM) to the soil during tuberization and tuber development did not increase tuber nitrogen or protein, but tended to increase yields. A single soil application of SD 8339³, kinetin or benzyladenine did not increase tuber nitrogen or protein. These methods of simazine and cytokinin application do not appear practical as a means of increasing potato tuber protein content. This research was supported in part by a grant from the Rockefeller Founcation. Scientific Journal Series Article 8665 of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.