Effects of several microbial seedpiece treatments on emergence,yield, tuber defects,tuber size distribution,and specific gravity of Katahdin and Russet Burbank potatoes in Maine

Several microbial seedpiece treatments were applied to Katahdin and Russet Burbank to determine their effects on emergence rates, yield, tuber defects, tuber size distribution, and specific gravity under Maine conditions. None of the seedpiece treatments affected total yield, final plant stand, or specific gravity, although several treatments caused slight delays in rate of plant emergence. Several of the seedpiece treatments increased yield of small tubers of Russet Burbank and shifted the yield of Katahdin slightly toward the larger grade size classes. None of the microbial seedpiece treatments was substantially different in performance from the other treatments; and none can be recommended as beneficial for potatoes in Maine.