Loretta J. Mikitzel 1
and Peter K. Scott 1
Abstract: Russet Burbank seed tubers were cut into seed pieces at monthly intervals from October, 1999 through May, 2000 and held at 4°C until planting on May 23, 2000. Plants were grown for 108 days. Seed cut in October, 1999 and November, 1999 (seven and six months before planting, respectively) lost the most weight in storage, emerged slower and produced significantly lower tuber yields than seed cut in any other month. Cutting seed up to 5 months in advance ( December, 1999 through May, 2000) did not adversely affect seed performance. Poor performance of October and November cut seed may be attributed to extreme weight loss. 1 Potato Development Center, New Brunswick Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, 39 Barker Lane, Wicklow, NB, E7L 3S4
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