Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions

Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions Khushdil Bharti, Sarvjeet Kukreja, Sugani Devi, Sukhwinder Singh, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120241/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The present study, titled “Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions ( Solanum tuberosum L.)”, was conducted at the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (Regional Station), Jalandhar, Punjab (India) over a two-year period (2020–2021). The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of different cultivation media and planting materials on the growth and yield of seed potatoes under insect-proof net house conditions. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was employed. Two types of cultivation media—soil and soilless (cocopeat)—were assessed in combination with two planting materials: microplants and minitubers. The results indicated that soil was the more effective cultivation medium in terms of yield and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio compared to soilless culture. However, the difference in the number of graded seed tubers between soil and soilless systems was statistically non-significant. Despite lower yield, soilless (cocopeat) culture presents a viable alternative in areas with unsuitable soil for cultivation and offers enhanced control over soil-borne disease transmission. Furthermore, soilless systems may become more economically viable when multiple cropping cycles are implemented within a single season. Regarding planting material, the study demonstrated that minitubers exhibited more vigorous growth and higher yield per unit area compared to microplants. Overall, the findings suggest that minitubers cultivated in soil have the highest yield potential and economic viability among the treatment combinations evaluated. Potato Microplant Minituber Seed Potato Planting material Media Soilless culture Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 1. INTRODUCTION Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.), belonging to the Solanaceae family, is the third most important crop worldwide after rice and wheat. India ranks as the second-largest potato producer after China. The food production efficiency of potato is 2.8 times higher than rice and 1.9 times higher than wheat, making it a highly productive crop. As of recent estimates, India’s potato cultivation area spans 2.20 million hectares, contributing to a total production of 53.39 million tons, which accounts for 11.24% of the global cultivated area (19.3 million hectares) and 13.54% of total global production (388.2 million tons) (Agricultural Statistics, 2021; FAOSTAT, 2023). However, India's potato productivity remains lower than that of developed countries, primarily due to the limited availability of high-quality seed potatoes for small and marginal farmers. Seed quality is a critical factor in commercial potato production, as it significantly influences plant growth, yield, and overall crop sustainability. According to FAOSTAT, India utilized 2.96 million tons of potato tubers (8.5% of national production) as seed during the triennium ending in 2010. The projected seed requirement is expected to rise to 6.1 million tons by 2050, necessitating intensive efforts to ensure the availability of disease-free, high-quality seed potatoes at affordable prices. The use of certified quality seed potatoes is essential not only for achieving higher yields but also for ensuring sustainable production systems. Potatoes are generally propagated using seed tubers (30–55 mm in diameter) at an average seed rate of 2–3 t ha⁻¹. However, this asexual propagation method poses several challenges, including the accumulation of viruses and viroids over multiple generations, leading to seed degeneration. Additionally, soil-borne pathogens such as fungi and bacteria contribute to severe diseases, including late blight, ring rot, and blackleg, which limit seed quality. Consequently, certain regions are deemed unsuitable for seed potato production due to high disease prevalence. Conventional method of potato seed production has low rate of multiplication, more chance of disease transmission and also having many limitations, which is now partially replaced by the modern hi- tech system that includes rapid multiplication under strictly elimination of disease spread. Modern hi-tech system of potato includes three techniques like tissue culture technique, aeroponics and net house practices. The integrated use of these techniques forms the Hi-Tech Potato Seed Production System (Singh et al., 2020). In addition to viral infections, tuber-borne fungal and bacterial pathogens further compromise seed quality, necessitating the adoption of soilless cultivation technologies such as aeroponics and cocopeat-based systems under controlled environments. Cocopeat, a widely used soilless medium, possesses high water-holding capacity and favorable physicochemical properties (bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity) (Abad et al., 2002). Research suggests that soilless potato cultivation offers significant advantages, including reduced disease incidence and enhanced seed quality under controlled conditions (Lemma Tessema & Zebenay Dagne, 2018). Additionally, soilless systems address critical global challenges such as water scarcity, environmental pollution, and ecological degradation (Gulendam et al., 2009). By facilitating potato production in non-arable or degraded soils, soilless culture methods provide a sustainable alternative for high-quality seed production. The early-generation seed multiplication process within a controlled soilless environment has the potential to bridge the gap between seed supply and demand, ensuring higher productivity and disease-free propagation of potato crops. Pre-basic seed materials of potato represent the purest form of seed stock and are classified as a type of breeder seed. The two primary types of pre-basic seed materials used for further multiplication are microplants and minitubers. According to an estimation by ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI), India, with an average potato productivity of 34.5 t ha⁻¹, will require 125 million tons of potatoes by 2050. To meet this projected demand, the country will need 6.25 million tons of seed potatoes, whereas the current production stands at 3.12 million tons, indicating a requirement for a twofold increase in seed potato production. This increase can be achieved through two primary strategies: expansion of potato cultivation area and enhancement of land productivity. The adoption of advanced cultivation techniques, such as insect-proof net house systems, can optimize space utilization and enhance per-unit area production of early-generation quality seed materials. Furthermore, this study aims to explore efficient seed potato multiplication methods to address future production challenges. The use of cocopeat as a soilless growth medium has the potential to expand cultivation areas while also offering advantages such as disease-free seed production for subsequent multiplication. Considering these factors, the present study is designed to evaluate the comparative performance of in vitro-derived microplants and minitubers as seed sources under soil and soilless cultivation conditions within an insect-proof net house system. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 2.1 Experimental site The experiment was carried out in net house condition of ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar, Punjab (India). The station is located at 30 º16’ N and 75º 32’ E longitudes at an elevation of 237 meters above mean sea level. The experiment was conducted from mid of October to end of February (winter season) in the year 2020 and 2021. The climate of the region is characterized by hot humid summers and cold humid winters. During the cultivation period from October to February, the average of three month minimum and maximum temperature was 7.5°C, 7.3°C and 20.2°C, 21.3°C in 2020 and 2021. Relative humidity was averaged having minimum 56.04%, 57.01% and maximum 70.90% 71.04% and three month averaged of bright sunshine hours were 5.38 h and 5.62 h in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Total rainfall was 0.30 mm and 0.87 mm in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The wet season was observed in December, especially in 2021. The soil at the experimental field was loamy sand with the following characteristics: electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.26 dS/m and 0.27 dS/m, pH of 7.2 and 7.5, and organic carbon content of 0.5% and 0.6%. For the soilless culture, cocopeat mixed with 10% rice husk (by volume) was used, with rice husk included to reduce costs. 2.2 Experimental design and description A two year net house experiment was laid down in factorial RBD. There were total four treatment combinations replicated three times. The latest potato variety Kufri Pukhraj (released from ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla) was selected which is most dominant variety of potato in the country. Two types of planting materials of potato were used such as microplants or in-vitro plants and minitubers. Microplants ( in-vitro ) were produced through tissue culture in controlled aseptic conditions by micro propagation technique. In order to avoid the damage of in vitro plants due to sudden change in environmental condition, hardening process is required where plants are subjected to higher temperature. Minitubers were taken out from cold store and kept to congenial environment for chitting or sprouting. Both types of planting materials such as hardened microplants and minitubers were shifted in insect proof net house both in soil as well as soilless on same date with same planting geometry (spacing 30×15 cm) and keeping number of plants and orientation same. Most of the seed companies and big farmers use microplants but some small and medium farmer’s feels easy to purchase minitubers and further multiply in net house or open field for their own seed requirements. That’s why such planting materials were chosen for comparative evaluation. 2.3 Cultural practices Microplants and minitubers were evaluated in both soil as well as soilless media. For soilless culture, Cocopeat along with 10% rice husk (by volume) was chosen; rice husk used to reduce the cost. Mixture was sterilized with Nano silver hydrogen peroxide (3%) solution by drenching followed by thoroughly washing with clean water. A growing container of HDPE sheet of 700 micron thickness was placed on a raised bench. The cocopeat mixture was then placed into the growing container and mixed with fungicide to avoid any fungal infection to planting material. For nutrient management, CPRI liquid formulation (containing macro and micro nutrients) was used in soilless culture having 1.5 EC and pH range of 5.5–6.5 pH on alternate days or as when required. In case of soil, all the cultural practices were followed recommended for net house condition including nutrient management. Earthing up was done 37 days after planting in both the medias; soil as well as soilless. Dehaulming is the process of detaching the vegetative part of potato at stem base from tubers that help in hardening of the skin of the tubers and therefore reduce the injuries during post-harvest handling which was done after 100 days of planting. Harvesting was done after 15 days of dehaulming operation. 2.4 Measurement of Growth parameters of potato Morphological data for five plants in a single replication were recorded in 2020 and 2021 at 35, 55 and 70 DAP to evaluate the growth pattern in relation to climate prevailing during the period. It was further averaged to derive the respective values for each treatment. Plant height was measured with help of measuring scale from the base of the plant to terminal leaf bud and expressed in centimeters (cm). Number of compound leaves per plant was counted in all treatments. Leaf area index was calculated through determining surface area of leaf by leaf area meter and ground area occupied by plant. As chlorophyll is a molecule that absorbs the sunlight and this energy is used to synthesize carbohydrates in the presence of CO 2 and water which is directly proportional to SPAD value. The process is known as photosynthesis, that process affects the growth and development of plant and ultimately may affect the yield factor of the crop which was determined by using instrument SPAD 502. Leaf length and breadth was measure using scale manually and mean length and breadth of five plants was expressed in centimeter (cm). To determine the stem diameter of plant, Vernier scale (vernier caliper) was used. Mean diameter of plant was measured from base of stem and was expressed in millimeter (mm). 2.5 Yield parameter observation of potato Harvested tubers were classified into two categories on the basis of tuber weight. Two grade were as follows; 3g. 3g in combined grade counted as seed size and used as next generation material. Number of tuber per plant were counted according to their grade and converted into tuber number per meter square in each grade. Fresh weight of tubers in each grade was recorded with weighing balance by taking average yield of five plants in each replication. Tuber weight was calculated in grams per plant and then converted into grams per meter square. Dry weight of tuber was taken to compute the moisture content in the tuber and expressed in percentage. Dry weight was recorded by drying tuber samples in hot air oven at 65°C for 72 hours or till constant weight is achieved. Haulm yield was determined on fresh weight of above ground plant part per meter square basis. Harvest index was calculated on fresh weight basis using the formula HI (%) = Tuber weight (m − 1 ) × 100 Tuber weight + Foliage weight (m − 1 ) 2.6 Economic analysis The gross returns were calculated by converting the economic yield into monetary terms on the basis of prevailing market price of produce whereas net returns were worked out by deducting the cost of cultivation from the gross returns and expressed in Rs. per 300 m 2 area of net house. Production cost was calculated by adding of costs involved in performance of net house operations including basic cost (microplant, minituber requirement and construction cost), fixed cost (including interest on fixed cost and net replacement etc.), Variable cost (including interest on working capital and miscellaneous expenses). An indicator that used in cost benefit analysis known as benefit cost ratio that cracks to précis the overall value for money operation. Benefit cost ratio (B:C) was calculated with the help of following formula B:C = Gross return (Rs. per 300 m 2 area) × 100 Cost of cultivation (Rs. Per 300 m 2 area) 2.7 Statistical analyses Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Factorial-RBD design adopting the procedure followed by Gomez and Gomez (1984). Treatment means were compared by using Least Significant Difference at p ≤ 0.05. 3. RESULTS 3.1 Plant height (cm) The effect of different planting material growing in soil and soilless culture on plant height in 2020 and 2021 is shown in Table 1. Significant taller plant was recorded in soil (25.28 cm and 25.67 cm) than soilless (16.02 cm and 16.46 cm). Between the variations in planting materials, significant difference was also observed in 2020 and 2021 in which maximum plant height was recorded in minituber than microplant Significant interaction between media and planting material was found, from which maximum plant height was recorded in minituber grown in soil (28.26 cm and 28.72 cm) whereas minimum plant height was reported in microplant grown in soilless (14.43 cm and 14.65cm). 3.2 Compound leaf numbers per plant Number of compound leaves per plant as influenced by different growing media and type of planting material are summarized in Table 1. Data pertaining from Table 1 showed that maximum number of leaves were recorded with soil (12.06 and 12.69) compared to soilless culture (10.65 and 11.07) in 2020 and 2021. Thus, analytic results showed statistically significant variation across medias during different crop growth stages. Perusal of the data revealed that influence of type of planting material on number of compound leaves per plant across was found significant (Table 1) in which maximum number of compound leaves per plant were found in minituber (11.61 and 12.16) than microplant (11.10 and 11.60). The combined effect of the media and planting material for number of compound leaves was found significant in 2020 and 2021. Interaction between them results that significantly highest numbers of leaves were found in minituber grown in soil (12.93 and 13.55) respectively. 3.3 Stem Diameter (mm) The results of the present study presented in Table 1 clearly indicates that stem diameter showed significant differences among media and planting material in 2020 and 2021. This is evident from results that stem diameter was varied significantly between the media, the maximum diameter of stem was observed in soilless media which is significantly more than stem diameter in soil media. It is obvious from the Table 1 that planting material also influenced the plant morphological characteristics. Mean stem diameter of plant was observed more in minitubers plant as compared to plants grown from microplants. Significant interaction was found between media and planting material for stem diameter, in which maximum stem diameter was recorded in minituber grown in soilless culture 3.4 Leaf length (cm) The result pertaining to number of leaf length across all treatment combinations in 2020 and 2021 (Table 1) It was observed that maximum leaf length was recorded in soilless (19.23 cm and 19.58) as compare to planning material grown in soil having leaf length 16.86 cm and 17.15 cm. Table 1 is clearly showing the difference between planting material also, in which significant higher leaf length was observed in (20.01 cm, 20.29 cm) than microplant having leaf length is 16.07 cm and 16.44 cm in 2020 and 2021. Perusal data showed significant interaction between media and planting material of potato. Maximum leaf length was recorded in minituber grown in soilless (20.42 cm, 20.63 cm) than other treatments in 2020 and 2021. 3.5 Leaf breadth (cm) Results pertaining to Leaf breadth presented in table (Table 1) indicate that leaf breadth significant affected by media and planting material in 2020 and 2021. Significantly highest leaf breadth was recorded in soilless (12.01 cm and 12.27 cm) compared to soil (9.39 cm and 9.87 cm). The data presented in Table 1 also revealed that significantly higher leaf breadth was recorded in minituber (11.66 cm and 11.97 cm) than microplant (9.74 cm, 10.17 cm). Significant interaction between media and planting material was found. In which, maximum leaf breadth was observed in minituber grown in soilless (12.45 cm and 12.72 cm). 3.6 SPAD value The data on changes in SPAD value showed (Fig. 2 ) that it was varied significantly between the media in 2020 and 2021. In early stage of potato, non-significant difference was observed for SPAD values between the media at 35 DAP in both the year. But in later stages, it was observed that significant higher SPAD value was observed in soil (39. 32, 39.51 and 38.03, 38.15) than soilless (36.01, 36.14 and 36.04, 36.08) at 55 and 70 DAP, respectively in 2020 and 2021. While along the planting materials, there was non-significant difference between both media at all stages (35, 55 70 DAP) in both the years. Significant interaction between media and planting material for SPAD value was observed at 55 DAP and 70 DAP in 2020 and 2021. Maximum mean SPAD value was recorded in minitubers grown in soil (40.15, 40.28 and 39.08, 39.32) than other treatment combinations at 55 and 70 DAP, respectively in both the year. 3.7 Leaf area index Leaf area index (LAI) is the ratio of surface area of a leaf and ground occupied area which is a dimensionless quantity that characterizes plant canopies. Moreover, one sided green leaf area per unit ground surface area in broad leaf canopies. Leaf area index was non-significant difference between the media at 35, 55 and 70 DAP in 2020 and 2021. But leaf area index was significantly affected by planting material of potato at 35, 55 and 70 DAP in both the year. Highest LAI was found in minituber at 35 DAP (2.06, 2.08) 55 DAP (2.04, 2.09) as well as 70 DAP (2.68, 2.71) compared to 1.26, 1.28 and 1.40, 1.43 and 2.05, 2.10 in microplant at 35 DAP and 55DAP and 70 DAP, respectively in 2020 and 2021. Significant interaction between media and planting material was found at 55 DAP. From which minitubers grown in soil media (2.11, 2.13) have maximum LAI as compared to other treatment combination. 3.8 Less than 3g tuber number (m − 2 ) The data manifested in Table 3 revealed that there was significant difference between the media in 2020 and 2021. The minimum number of this grade of tuber per meter square basis was observed in soilless (62.33, 63.15) while the maximum numbers of tubers per plant were observed in soil (195.04, 195.43). Non-significant difference was found between the planting material for less than 3g ( 3g) was observed to be statistically non-significant influenced by media and planting material (Table 3) in 2020 and 2021. No significant interaction was observed between media and planting material for the production of > 3g tuber number per meter square basis in both the year. 3.10 Total number of tubers (all grades) (m − 2 ) Data pertaining to the total number of tubers per plant under different treatments are given in Table 2. Present study showed that total numbers of tubers per meter square were significantly affected by different media. Significantly highest numbers of tuber under this category were observed in soil (541.3, 541.65) than soilless (398.1, 398.91) in 2020 and 2021. As data is showing, no significant difference between planting material in both the years. 3.11 Less than 3g tuber weight (g m − 2 ) The data pertaining to weight of less than 3g (< 3g) tubers per square meter in different treatment is given in Table 3. In the experiment, non-significant differences for tuber weight under this category was observed among media as well as for different planting material in 2020 and 2021. Interactions effect between media and planting material for less than 3g tuber weight per square meter of tubers per meter square are presented in the table, result of which was observed statistically non-significant in both the year. 3.12 More than 3g tuber weight (g m − 2 ) Result pertaining to media presented in the Table 3 indicated that tuber weight of this category was observed non-significant difference in 2020 and 2021. In the present study, data indicated that total yield of potato in insect proof net house varied significantly between the planting materials. The weight of tubers per square meter was observed significantly higher in minituber (6610.44g, 6641.75g) than microplant (4073.66g, 4098.74g) in 2020 and 2021. There was noted from the data that significant interaction between media and planting material for this grade of tuber weight per meter square. Significant higher weight of this category was observed in minituber grown in soil than other treatment combination. 3.13 Total tuber weight (all grades) (g m − 2 ) For the determination of multiplication rate of potato, total tuber yield is important parameter and is most decisive for seed potato production. The data presented in the Table 3 revealed that difference between the media was non-significant for total tuber weight per meter square. The characters showed significant differences among the different planting material, from which significantly higher weight of all graded tuber per meter square basis was observed in minituber (6807.95g, 6840.5g) as compared to microplant (4305.12g, 4330.57g) in 2020 and 2021. The result showed significant interaction between media and planting material in both the year. Significantly higher weight was observed in minituber grown in soil and lowest weight was observed in microplant grown in soilless. 3.14 Fresh Haulm yield (g m − 2 ) Media and planting material interactions had significant impact on fresh haulm yield of potato during 2020 and 2021 (Table 1). Mean fresh haulm yield per meter square was observed significantly higher in soil (1492.44 g m − 2 , 1493.35 g m − 2 ) than soilless (948.05 g m − 2 , 949 g m − 2 ). The mean haulm yield per meter square for the planting material with minituber during 2020 and 2021 was 1455.41 g m − 2 and 1456.05 g m − 2 , respectively which was significantly higher than microplant (985.08 g m − 2 and 986.31 g m − 2 ). Within the interaction effect between media and planting material, significant higher haulm yield was recorded in minituber grown in soil (1859.07 g m − 2 , 1862.01 g m − 2 ) in 2020 and 2021. 3.15 Dry matter of tuber (%) The data accumulated and presented in Table 1 furnished the following results due to different growing media and type of planting material on tuber dry matter in potato in 2020 and 2021. Significant differences were observed with regard to media and planting material in dry matter of tuber in percent in both the year. It is quite apparent from table that significant higher dry weight of tuber was recorded in soil (16.35%, 16.36%) compared to soilless (14.48%, 14.55%) in 2020 and 2021. Data also showed that planting material significantly affected the tuber dry weight. The mean maximum dry weight was recorded in produce of microplant (16.60%, 16.62%) and minimum in minituber produce (14.24% and 14.28%) in 2020 and 2021. No significant interaction effect was observed between media and planting material for dry matter of tuber in both the year. 3.16 Harvest Index It is evident from the data that influence of media with respect to harvest index was found significant variation in 2020 and 2021. Maximum value of harvest index was observed in soilless (0.85 i.e. 85.7%, 0.86 i.e. 86.5%) compared to soil (0.77 i.e. 77.7%, 0.78 i.e. 78.2%) in both the year. Whereas, planting material was observed non-significantly affected harvest index under insect proof net house in 2020 and 2021. 3.17 Economics of production The G0 produce of minitubers as utilized in the present study and proposed for planting in soil culture medium, a comparative production advantage as well as of economics for seed minituber production under the microplant planting material was observed. Maximum net return (₹ 857285, ₹ 857868.2) and benefit: cost ratio (11.63, 11.64) was recorded in minituber planting material in comparison to microplant which had net return and B: C ratio of ₹ 550347.8, ₹ 551109.2 and 6.21, 6.22 in case of soil, respectively. In the other culture media i.e. soilless culture media (cocopeat), minituber planting material have higher net return (₹383113, ₹ 383663.8 ) and benefit: cost ratio (1.885, 1.886) as compared to microplant planting material having which net return and benefit : cost ratio of ₹176154.2, ₹ 178033.4 and 1.384, 1.388. Table:1 Effect of different media and planting material on growth parameters of potato under net house condition Plant height (cm) Leaf numbers (Plant − 1 ) Stem diameter (mm) Leaf length (cm) Leaf Breadth (cm) Dry matter of tuber (%) Fresh haulm yield (g m − 2 ) 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 Media Soilless 16.02 16.46 10.65 11.07 5.34 5.46 19.23 19.58 12.01 12.27 14.48 14.55 948.05 949 Soil 25.28 25.67 12.06 12.69 3.68 3.74 16.86 17.15 9.39 9.87 16.35 16.36 1492.44 1493.35 CD (p ≤ 0.05) 1.35 0.87 0.43 0.41 0.28 0.29 1.03 0.85 0.57 0.71 1.274 0.962 243.30 242.70 SE(m) 0.38 0.24 0.12 0.11 0.08 0.08 0.29 0.24 0.16 0.20 0.361 0.273 68.96 68.8 Planting material Microplant 18.37 18.64 11.10 11.60 3.39 3.48 16.07 16.44 9.74 10.17 16.60 16.62 985.08 986.31 Minituber 22.94 23.50 11.61 12.16 5.64 5.72 20.01 20.29 11.66 11.97 14.24 14.28 1455.41 1456.05 CD (p ≤ 0.05) 1.35 0.87 0.43 0.41 0.28 0.29 1.03 0.85 0.57 0.71 1.274 0.962 243.30 242.70 SE(m) 0.38 0.24 0.12 0.11 0.08 0.08 0.29 0.24 0.16 0.20 0.361 0.273 68.96 68.8 Interaction (Media × Planting material) CD (p ≤ 0.05) 1.91 1.23 0.61 0.58 0.40 0.41 1.46 1.20 0.81 1.00 NS NS 344.08 343.24 SE(m) 0.54 0.35 0.17 0.16 0.11 0.11 0.41 0.34 0.23 0.28 0.511 0.386 97.53 97.29 Table:2 Effect of different media and planting material on yield (m − 2 ) of potato under net house condition 3g tuber grade All graded Tuber number Tuber weight Tuber number Tuber weight Tuber number Tuber weight 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 Media Soilless 62.33 63.15 172.82 172.59 335.76 335.76 5521.05 5533.39 398.1 398.91 5693.87 5705.98 Soil 195.04 195.43 256.14 257.99 346.26 346.21 5163.06 5207.1 541.3 541.65 5419.2 5465.1 CD (p ≤ 0.05) 77.88 77.97 NS NS NS NS NS NS 78.6 75.38 NS NS SE (m) 22.07 22.1 31.79 32.98 27.33 27.39 305.18 304.38 22.28 21.37 305.39 303.27 Planting material Microplant 153.68 154.34 231.45 231.83 293.79 293.88 4073.66 4098.74 447.48 448.23 4305.12 4330.57 Minituber 103.69 104.24 197.5 198.75 388.23 388.1 6610.44 6641.75 491.92 492.34 6807.95 6840.5 CD (p ≤ 0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS 1076.61 1073.79 NS NS 1077.66 1069.87 SE (m) 22.07 22.1 31.79 32.98 27.33 27.39 305.18 304.38 22.28 21.37 305.48 303.27 Interaction (Media × Planting material) CD (p ≤ 0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS 1522.55 1518.57 NS NS 1524.04 1513.02 SE (m) 31.22 31.25 44.96 46.65 38.65 38.74 431.59 430.46 31.51 30.22 432.01 428.89 4. DISCUSSION 4.1 Plant height Plant height is crucial for monitoring the overall architecture of the canopy and for controlling leaf orientation, which in turn controls how efficiently a plant uses its natural resources for its photosynthesis activities. Under net house circumstances, increased plant height in potato production more in soil might be due to media compositions enhance root and shoot development, efficiently retain nutrients which are essential for robust growth (Choita et al. , 2015; Santhosha et al., 2024 ) and also roots of an aeroponic system are developed entirely suspended in the air, they have access to all of the available oxygen, which further accelerates plant growth rates through root aeration (Mehandru et al., 2014 ). Minitubers were the planting method that resulting higher plants than microplants; the observed variations may have been caused by a combination of genetic factors, growing conditions, and the availability of nutrients in a greenhouse (Nyamangyoku et al. , 2018). Srivastava et al., 2016 reported that increasing plant height may be result of increased number of nodes which may lead to increased number of leaves per plant. The present finding on plant height is in accordance with the result of Awati et al., ( 2019 ) who found significant variation among the interactions between variety and solid media and reported that variation because of properties having different media and different growth habit of different varieties of potato plant. 4.2 Compound leaf numbers per plant Soil methods compared to soilless based cultivation typically produce more leaves per plant because of the improved root environment and increased nutrient availability. Soil offers a balanced environment that encourages deep root growth and effective nutrient uptake and distribution throughout the plant. When compared to potato plants grown via different planting material; minituber plants often have more leaves per plant. Navarre et al., ( 2009 ) reported genetic variability and natural environmental stimuli encountered during field cultivation and these factors promote vigorous leaf growth in minituber-derived plants. Additionally, the controlled environment of micropropagation may limit leaf formation due to regulated growth conditions. 4.3 Stem Diameter (mm) Controlled substrate under soilless environment promotes vigorous root growth, efficient nutrient uptake, nutrient leaching and minimizes soil-borne diseases allowing plants to allocate more resources to the formation of thicker stems (Gianquinto et al., 2013 ). Minituber production methods typically yield higher stem diameter compared to microplant due to the initial growth conditions. Minitubers develop from seed tubers under natural soil conditions, allowing for more robust root and stem development. In contrast, micropropagation involves growing plants from small tissue cultures in controlled environments, which can limit stem diameter due to restricted root development (Sharma et al. , 2013). 4.4 Leaf length (cm) Soilless method, controlled substrate environment minimizes compaction and nutrient leaching, allowing plants to allocate more resources towards leaf development. Minituber production methods typically result in higher leaf length compared to microplants due to the initial growth conditions. Minitubers develop from seed tubers planted in soil, allowing for more extensive root development and nutrient uptake, which can contribute to longer leaves. In contrast, micropropagation involves growing plants from small tissue cultures in sterile conditions, which may limit root development and nutrient acquisition, potentially affecting leaf size (George et al., 2007 ). 4.5 Leaf breadth (cm) Soilless cultivation of potato ensures an aerated, nutrient rich environment that accelerates root growth and nutrient-uptake leading to a well branched leaf system apart from reducing nutritional competition towards the expansion of leaves. When minitubers production methods are considered, they lead to broader leaves than in case of plantlets obtained by micropropagation due to the initial growth conditions and development of roots. In contrast, micropropagation involves growing plants from small tissue cultures in controlled environments, which may limit root development and nutrient acquisition, potentially affecting leaf size (George et al. , 2008). 4.6 SPAD value SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) value of potato leaf measures chlorophyll content, indicating photosynthetic activity and nutrient status. The increase in SPAD value correlates with an increase in days after sowing, reflecting improved chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity as the plant matures. Consequently, the photosynthetic capacity is increased through chlorophyll content increases. This allows microplant to support vigorous early growth and chlorophyll production, contributing to higher photosynthetic efficiency (Rahman et al., 2024 ). Plant behaviour may also affected by light intensity, interception and refection through different objects result of which chlorophyll content may also be affected. Xiaofeng et al ., (2015) reported that light is an important factor that affect chlorophyll content,different wavelength have different effect on chlorophyll content which may also affect yield of in vitro potato plantlets. Zebarth et al ( 2002 ) showed that Leaf chlorophyll index in potatoes increased with an increase in N availability. Sufficient nitrogen has a positive effect on leaf chlorophyll content. Khazaei and Arshadi ( 2008 ) found that a positive and significant linear relationship between the amounts of nitrogen consumed in soil with chlorophyll and leaf N concentrations. 4.7 Leaf area index Leaf Area Index (LAI) quantifies the total leaf surface area per unit ground area, indicating vegetation density and canopy structure. The increase in LAI correlates with an increase in days after planting, reflecting the growth and development of vegetation over time (Weiss et al., 2004 ) but lower LAI in 55 DAP may due to due to earthling up which reduces number of leaf ultimately decreases LAI. Higher LAI values in soil growing methods are often attributed to the natural, varied nutrient availability and better root support provided by soil. Soil promotes robust plant growth and a larger canopy, while soilless systems may face challenges with nutrient delivery and environmental control, affecting overall leaf development and LAI. Mobini et al., 2015 reported that different levels of aeration influenced significantly leaf area index. Minituber production typically results in higher Leaf Area Index (LAI) values compared to microplant due to the larger size and more developed plant structure of minitubers. This allows minitubers to establish a greater leaf area early in growth, enhancing photosynthetic capacity and overall plant vigor (Li et al., 2020 ). 4.8 Potato Yield Higher numbers of minituber particularly in the less than 3g weight category produced in soil compared to soilless methods. This is often attributed to improved root aeration, optimal nutrient availability, and reduced disease pressure in soilless environments, which collectively promote enhanced tuber formation and development. Singh et al (2008) and Sadawarti et al (2017) have reported that minitubers of potato which are produced from micro plants or micro tubers under net house conditions have < 3 g of weight which may be a more valuable material, but due to their small size require one more season to grow under protected condition to improve their size and further their effective utilization in the field. All grades tuber number produced maximum in soil may due to accelerated growth rate parameters like plant height, more leaf numbers (Table 1). Awati et al ( 2019 ) founded that interaction among variety and media with respect to yield was significant due to different media have different properties as same as different variety have different genetic composition and also reported that the observation seen could be due to photosynthetic area differences that effect tuber formation of potato plant. Better growth of the above ground parts lead to more photosynthate formation and their translocation and accumulation in sink (tuber) resulting in higher yield (Diengdoh et al. , 2012). Many researchers reported that total tuber number rather than tuber weight is important for reporting yield in net house production. Malic (1995) reported that number of leaves influences the tuber production due to more vegetative growth that lead to better carbohydrate formation. Maximum tuber weight was obtain from minituber plantlets may due to better growth rate of parameters like plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf breadth, LAI and chlorophyll content. Bukema and Zaag in 1990 reported that number of primary stem arising from seed is important because it influences the number and size of tubers at harvest. 4.9 Haulm yield (g m − 2 ) Variability in potato haulm yield is observed across different cultivars and growing environments (Khan et al., 2024 ). Soil is usually the most available growing medium for plants as it provides anchorage, nutrients, air, water etc. for plant growth. Soil media typically results in higher haulm yield compared to soilless cultivation due to its rich, diverse nutrient profile and natural structure, which supports vigorous plant growth. Soil also retains moisture and supports beneficial microorganisms that enhance nutrient uptake. In contrast, soilless systems require precise nutrient management and may struggle with balancing environmental factors, potentially limiting haulm development (Fuentes-Peñailillo et al. , 2024). Minitubers are small tubers grown from seed potatoes under controlled conditions, which allows for better development of the plant's vegetative growth (haulm). This method provides a stronger initial plant vigor and larger root system, which ultimately supports increased haulm production compared to plants propagated through micropropagation, where plants are grown from tissue cultures in laboratory conditions (Sharma et al. , 2013). 4.10 Dry matter of tuber (%) Soilless media like cocopeat mixed with rice husk can result in lower dry matter accumulation compared to traditional soil cultivation. This is often due to limitations in nutrient and water retention in soilless media, which can impact plant growth and biomass. Traditional soil provides a more complex nutrient environment and better moisture retention, supporting higher dry matter accumulation (Singh et al. , 2019; Kumar & Sharma, 2020). Minitubers, grown from seed potatoes under controlled conditions in the field or greenhouse, tend to develop larger and denser tubers with higher dry matter content compared to tubers propagated through micropropagation, where initial growth conditions might limit tuber development. 4.11 Harvest Index In soil-based cultivation, a higher Harvest Index (HI) typically indicates a more efficient conversion of biomass into harvestable yield, as soil provides a more stable nutrient and water supply (Brady & Weil, 2008). This often results in better plant growth and higher yields compared to soilless systems, which may have variability in nutrient delivery and water management. Soil's complex ecosystem can support better root development and nutrient uptake, enhancing the HI. 4.12 Economics of production The production advantage of minitubers cultivated in different growth media varied significantly, with the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio observed in soil-grown minitubers (10.0), while the lowest net return and benefit-cost ratio were recorded in those grown using soilless culture (1.76). The superior economic return of soil-based cultivation can be attributed to lower structural and labor costs compared to soilless systems. The maximum net return from soil-based cultivation is likely due to the efficient utilization of available resources, resulting in higher yields with reduced labor inputs. However, the soilless culture method offers a significant advantage in producing disease-free seed potatoes by minimizing soil-borne pathogens. Many potato growers prefer the soilless system for seed multiplication due to its unique benefits. This technique provides a controlled environment, ensuring high-quality seed material with minimal incidence of pests and diseases (Lemma Tessema and Zebenay, 2018). Additionally, the adoption of soilless production technology for early-generation potato seed can help bridge the gap in seed demand (Lemma Tessema and Zebenay Dagne, 2018). According to Gulendam et al. (2009), soilless culture has the potential to address global challenges such as water scarcity, environmental pollution, and ecological instability by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 5. CONCLUSION The two-year net house study demonstrated that minitubers cultivated in soil resulted in more plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, fresh haulm yield, and total tuber yield compared to other treatments. However, the yield of seed potatoes (> 3g) was not influenced by the choice of growth medium or planting material. Although soil-based cultivation generated higher net returns than soilless systems, many potato growers prefer soilless culture for seed multiplication due to its distinct advantages including premium prices. The soilless cultivation method may be more beneficial for producing healthy seed potatoes by reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases. Additionally, it offers a viable alternative for regions where land is not suitable for cultivation of seed potatoes and provides an option for individuals without access to agricultural land. Declarations Conflicts of Interest: There is no conflicts of interest. Funding: The authors declare that no funding was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Author contribution: Sugani Devi, Sukhwinder Singh designed the experiments. All authors collected, analyzed, and interpreted the data. The manuscript was drafted by Khushdil Bharti and all authors read, edited, and approved the final version. Acknowledgements: We would like to thank Scientists, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar for providing valuable guidance, sympathetic attitude, valuable suggestions and supervision under which the present study was undertaken and completed. Data availability: The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author. References Agriculture Statistics (2021) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GoI Awati R, Bhattacharya A, Char B (2019) Rapid multiplication technique for production of high-quality seed potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. J Appl Biology Biotechnol 7(1):1–5 Bhadra P, Debnath SC (2015) Comparative performance of in vitro propagated potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) plantlets in field condition with conventional minitubers. Am J Potato Res 92(3):317–324 Brady NC, Weil RR, Weil RR (2008) The nature and properties of soils, vol 13. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, pp 662–710 Chiota WM, Mabiza P, Chaibva P, Gama T (2015) Evaluating the effects of non-soil media on emergence and growth of potato ( Solunum tuberosum L). Int J Biosci 7(3):24–30 FAOSTAT. Database collection of the Food and Agriculture Organization of India (2023) . Available from: www.faostat.fao.org George EF, Hall MA, De Klerk GJ (eds) (2007) Plant propagation by tissue culture: volume 1. the background, vol 1. Springer Science & Business Media Gianquinto G, Muñoz P, Pardossi A, Ramazzotti S, Savvas D (2013) 10. Soil fertility and plant nutrition. Good Agricultural Practices for greenhouse vegetable crops , 205 Howard M, Resh (2013) Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and the Commercial Hydroponic Grower . CRC Press. ISBN-13: 978-1439878675 Khan MS, Hoogenboom G, Gillani SM, Shah AS, Khan I (2024) Effects of Planting Date and Genotypes on Potato Growth and Yield Determination in a. Sub-Tropical Continental Growing Environment Khazaei H, Arshadi MJ (2008) Effect of nitrogen fertilizer management using chlorophyll meter on yield andquality characteristics of potato cultivar Agria in Mashhad weather conditions. Agric Sci Technol 22(2):49–63 Kutschera U, Niklas KJ (2007) The epidermal-growth-control theory of stem elongation: an old and a new perspective. J Plant Physiol 164(11):1395–1409 Li R, You J, Miao C, Kong L, Long J, Yan Y, Liu X (2020) Monochromatic lights regulate the formation, growth, and dormancy of in vitro-grown Solanum tuberosum L. microtubers. Sci Hort 261:108947 Mehandru P, Shekhawat NS, Rai MK, Kataria V, Gehlot HS (2014) Evaluation of aeroponics for clonal propagation of Caralluma edulis, Leptadenia reticulata and Tylophora indica –three threatened medicinal Asclepiads. Physiol Mol Biology Plants 20:365–373 Mobini SH, Ismail MR, Aroiuee H (2015) The impact of aeration on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) minituber production under soilless conditions. Afr J Biotechnol 14(11):910–921 Navarre DA, Goyer A, Shakya R (2009) Developing the nutritional potential of potato. Food, 3 (1) NYAMANGYOKU O (2018) Production behavior of in vitro plantlets and mini-tubers of irish potato. Potato J, 45 (1) Rahman MH, Islam MJ, Mumu UH, Ryu BR, Lim JD, Azad MOK, Lim YS (2024) Effect of Light Quality on Seed Potato ( Solanum tuberose L.) Tuberization When Aeroponically Grown in a Controlled Greenhouse. Plants 13(5):737 Santhosha B, Prabhakar BN, Suchitra V, Mallesh S, Kumar BN, Kumar BP (2024) Studies on the Field Performance of True Potato Seed of Different Entries under Telangana Conditions. J Experimental Agric Int 46(6):178–192 Savvas D, Ntatsi G, Passam HC (2008) Plant Nutrition and Physiological Disorders in Greenhouse Grown Tomato, Pepper and Eggplant. Europ J Plant Sci Biotech 2:45–61 Sharma AK, Pandey KK (2013) Potato mini-tuber production through direct transplanting of in vitro plantlets in green or screen houses: a review. Potato J 40(2):95–103 Srivastava AK, Yadav SK, Diengdoh LC, Rai R and, Bag TK (2016) Effect of plant density on minituber production potential of potato varieties through microplants under net house in North Eastern Himalayan region. J Appl Hortic 18(1):61–63 Weiss M, Baret F, Smith GJ, Jonckheere I, Coppin P (2004) Review of methods for in situ leaf area index (LAI) determination: Part II. Estimation of LAI, errors and sampling. Agric For Meteorol 121(1–2):37–53 Zebarth BJ, Younie M, Paul JW, Bittman S (2002) Evaluation of leaf chlorophyll index for making fertilizer nitrogen recommendations for silage corn in a high fertility environment. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 33(5–6):665–684 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 03 Sep, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 03 Sep, 2025 Editor invited by journal 16 Jul, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 16 Jul, 2025 First submitted to journal 14 Jul, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7120241","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":509495548,"identity":"37b76c45-b017-4f39-a583-b2bf6608fb27","order_by":0,"name":"Khushdil Bharti","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA+0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACCQkGBmYGNgkZAwkQ18AGSDA2HiBGCw9YywGDNJCWBmK0MEC1MBwGi+LVIjm7x/hzQZkFj7l087PPHwrO261tPwy0pcYmGpcWaZkzZtIzzknwWM45ZjzjgMHt5G1nEoFajqXlNuDQIieRY8bM2wb0y40EYwaQFrMDQC2MDYfxaTH+DNGS/hmo5Vyy2fmH+LVIS+QYSEO05IBsOWBndoOALZIz0sqkeUB+mZFTzHDGIDnB7AbQlgQ8fpG4kbz5M09ZnZy5RPpmhoo/dvZm59MfPvhQY4NTCwZIBKtMIFY5CNiTongUjIJRMApGBgAAGlZdFeQZJhYAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1898-0330","institution":"CPRI: Central Potato Research Institute","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Khushdil","middleName":"","lastName":"Bharti","suffix":""},{"id":509495549,"identity":"47e89a7f-8150-4884-a4bf-6ffc1ce53f39","order_by":1,"name":"Sarvjeet Kukreja","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"LPU: Lovely Professional University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sarvjeet","middleName":"","lastName":"Kukreja","suffix":""},{"id":509495550,"identity":"eec78017-18e9-4434-9d9c-eb4894db73d5","order_by":2,"name":"Sugani Devi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"CPRI: Central Potato Research Institute","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sugani","middleName":"","lastName":"Devi","suffix":""},{"id":509495551,"identity":"4e2fbf60-9644-422e-9b64-951dc28da093","order_by":3,"name":"Sukhwinder Singh","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"CPRI: Central Potato Research Institute","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sukhwinder","middleName":"","lastName":"Singh","suffix":""},{"id":509495552,"identity":"fb621627-3a13-4a61-a4f8-1891c6d61fad","order_by":4,"name":"Shradha Ahluwalia","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Punjab University: Panjab University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shradha","middleName":"","lastName":"Ahluwalia","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-07-14 10:44:02","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120241/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120241/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":90945311,"identity":"ffaf1ea7-bbbb-43bb-92ff-4a7100543d36","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-09 20:07:44","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":86460,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect of different media and planting material on LAI of potato under net house condition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120241/v1/bad12ec12794d0dfa94eb99b.jpg"},{"id":90945313,"identity":"4112c122-8dcb-436f-a9e2-0e33df7097ae","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-09 20:07:44","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":91034,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect of different media and planting material on SPAD value of potato under net house condition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120241/v1/51659c3b390ee96d297c4d2f.jpg"},{"id":90945312,"identity":"7389020b-ab58-4a45-b37d-26b4bfa805b1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-09 20:07:44","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":52609,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect of different media and planting material on Harvest Index of potato under net house condition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120241/v1/1f46be48e6319d7ff3b98f07.jpg"},{"id":90946308,"identity":"24b6f1c4-6093-4813-b45f-b1cefd0781d3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-09 20:31:45","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1743835,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120241/v1/ca37cdd9-d9bc-40b5-b778-08f9319c2382.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions","fulltext":[{"header":"1. INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003ePotato (\u003cem\u003eSolanum tuberosum\u003c/em\u003e L.), belonging to the Solanaceae family, is the third most important crop worldwide after rice and wheat. India ranks as the second-largest potato producer after China. The food production efficiency of potato is 2.8 times higher than rice and 1.9 times higher than wheat, making it a highly productive crop. As of recent estimates, India\u0026rsquo;s potato cultivation area spans 2.20\u0026nbsp;million hectares, contributing to a total production of 53.39\u0026nbsp;million tons, which accounts for 11.24% of the global cultivated area (19.3\u0026nbsp;million hectares) and 13.54% of total global production (388.2\u0026nbsp;million tons) (Agricultural Statistics, 2021; FAOSTAT, 2023). However, India's potato productivity remains lower than that of developed countries, primarily due to the limited availability of high-quality seed potatoes for small and marginal farmers. Seed quality is a critical factor in commercial potato production, as it significantly influences plant growth, yield, and overall crop sustainability. According to FAOSTAT, India utilized 2.96\u0026nbsp;million tons of potato tubers (8.5% of national production) as seed during the triennium ending in 2010. The projected seed requirement is expected to rise to 6.1\u0026nbsp;million tons by 2050, necessitating intensive efforts to ensure the availability of disease-free, high-quality seed potatoes at affordable prices. The use of certified quality seed potatoes is essential not only for achieving higher yields but also for ensuring sustainable production systems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePotatoes are generally propagated using seed tubers (30\u0026ndash;55 mm in diameter) at an average seed rate of 2\u0026ndash;3 t ha⁻\u0026sup1;. However, this asexual propagation method poses several challenges, including the accumulation of viruses and viroids over multiple generations, leading to seed degeneration. Additionally, soil-borne pathogens such as fungi and bacteria contribute to severe diseases, including late blight, ring rot, and blackleg, which limit seed quality. Consequently, certain regions are deemed unsuitable for seed potato production due to high disease prevalence. Conventional method of potato seed production has low rate of multiplication, more chance of disease transmission and also having many limitations, which is now partially replaced by the modern hi- tech system that includes rapid multiplication under strictly elimination of disease spread. Modern hi-tech system of potato includes three techniques like tissue culture technique, aeroponics and net house practices. The integrated use of these techniques forms the Hi-Tech Potato Seed Production System (Singh et al., 2020). In addition to viral infections, tuber-borne fungal and bacterial pathogens further compromise seed quality, necessitating the adoption of soilless cultivation technologies such as aeroponics and cocopeat-based systems under controlled environments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCocopeat, a widely used soilless medium, possesses high water-holding capacity and favorable physicochemical properties (bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity) (Abad et al., 2002). Research suggests that soilless potato cultivation offers significant advantages, including reduced disease incidence and enhanced seed quality under controlled conditions (Lemma Tessema \u0026amp; Zebenay Dagne, 2018). Additionally, soilless systems address critical global challenges such as water scarcity, environmental pollution, and ecological degradation (Gulendam et al., 2009). By facilitating potato production in non-arable or degraded soils, soilless culture methods provide a sustainable alternative for high-quality seed production. The early-generation seed multiplication process within a controlled soilless environment has the potential to bridge the gap between seed supply and demand, ensuring higher productivity and disease-free propagation of potato crops. Pre-basic seed materials of potato represent the purest form of seed stock and are classified as a type of breeder seed. The two primary types of pre-basic seed materials used for further multiplication are microplants and minitubers. According to an estimation by ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI), India, with an average potato productivity of 34.5 t ha⁻\u0026sup1;, will require 125\u0026nbsp;million tons of potatoes by 2050. To meet this projected demand, the country will need 6.25\u0026nbsp;million tons of seed potatoes, whereas the current production stands at 3.12\u0026nbsp;million tons, indicating a requirement for a twofold increase in seed potato production. This increase can be achieved through two primary strategies: expansion of potato cultivation area and enhancement of land productivity. The adoption of advanced cultivation techniques, such as insect-proof net house systems, can optimize space utilization and enhance per-unit area production of early-generation quality seed materials.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, this study aims to explore efficient seed potato multiplication methods to address future production challenges. The use of cocopeat as a soilless growth medium has the potential to expand cultivation areas while also offering advantages such as disease-free seed production for subsequent multiplication. Considering these factors, the present study is designed to evaluate the comparative performance of in vitro-derived microplants and minitubers as seed sources under soil and soilless cultivation conditions within an insect-proof net house system.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e2.1 Experimental site\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe experiment was carried out in net house condition of ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar, Punjab (India). The station is located at 30 \u0026ordm;16\u0026rsquo; N and 75\u0026ordm; 32\u0026rsquo; E longitudes at an elevation of 237 meters above mean sea level. The experiment was conducted from mid of October to end of February (winter season) in the year 2020 and 2021. The climate of the region is characterized by hot humid summers and cold humid winters. During the cultivation period from October to February, the average of three month minimum and maximum temperature was 7.5\u0026deg;C, 7.3\u0026deg;C and 20.2\u0026deg;C, 21.3\u0026deg;C in 2020 and 2021. Relative humidity was averaged having minimum 56.04%, 57.01% and maximum 70.90% 71.04% and three month averaged of bright sunshine hours were 5.38 h and 5.62 h in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Total rainfall was 0.30 mm and 0.87 mm in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The wet season was observed in December, especially in 2021. The soil at the experimental field was loamy sand with the following characteristics: electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.26 dS/m and 0.27 dS/m, pH of 7.2 and 7.5, and organic carbon content of 0.5% and 0.6%. For the soilless culture, cocopeat mixed with 10% rice husk (by volume) was used, with rice husk included to reduce costs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e2.2 Experimental design and description\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA two year net house experiment was laid down in factorial RBD. There were total four treatment combinations replicated three times. The latest potato variety Kufri Pukhraj (released from ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla) was selected which is most dominant variety of potato in the country. Two types of planting materials of potato were used such as microplants or \u003cem\u003ein-vitro\u003c/em\u003e plants and minitubers. Microplants (\u003cem\u003ein-vitro\u003c/em\u003e) were produced through tissue culture in controlled aseptic conditions by micro propagation technique. In order to avoid the damage of \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e plants due to sudden change in environmental condition, hardening process is required where plants are subjected to higher temperature. Minitubers were taken out from cold store and kept to congenial environment for chitting or sprouting. Both types of planting materials such as hardened microplants and minitubers were shifted in insect proof net house both in soil as well as soilless on same date with same planting geometry (spacing 30\u0026times;15 cm) and keeping number of plants and orientation same. Most of the seed companies and big farmers use microplants but some small and medium farmer\u0026rsquo;s feels easy to purchase minitubers and further multiply in net house or open field for their own seed requirements. That\u0026rsquo;s why such planting materials were chosen for comparative evaluation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e2.3 Cultural practices\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMicroplants and minitubers were evaluated in both soil as well as soilless media. For soilless culture, Cocopeat along with 10% rice husk (by volume) was chosen; rice husk used to reduce the cost. Mixture was sterilized with Nano silver hydrogen peroxide (3%) solution by drenching followed by thoroughly washing with clean water. A growing container of HDPE sheet of 700 micron thickness was placed on a raised bench. The cocopeat mixture was then placed into the growing container and mixed with fungicide to avoid any fungal infection to planting material. For nutrient management, CPRI liquid formulation (containing macro and micro nutrients) was used in soilless culture having 1.5 EC and pH range of 5.5\u0026ndash;6.5 pH on alternate days or as when required. In case of soil, all the cultural practices were followed recommended for net house condition including nutrient management. Earthing up was done 37 days after planting in both the medias; soil as well as soilless. Dehaulming is the process of detaching the vegetative part of potato at stem base from tubers that help in hardening of the skin of the tubers and therefore reduce the injuries during post-harvest handling which was done after 100 days of planting. Harvesting was done after 15 days of dehaulming operation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e2.4 Measurement of Growth parameters of potato\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMorphological data for five plants in a single replication were recorded in 2020 and 2021 at 35, 55 and 70 DAP to evaluate the growth pattern in relation to climate prevailing during the period. It was further averaged to derive the respective values for each treatment. Plant height was measured with help of measuring scale from the base of the plant to terminal leaf bud and expressed in centimeters (cm). Number of compound leaves per plant was counted in all treatments. Leaf area index was calculated through determining surface area of leaf by leaf area meter and ground area occupied by plant. As chlorophyll is a molecule that absorbs the sunlight and this energy is used to synthesize carbohydrates in the presence of CO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and water which is directly proportional to SPAD value. The process is known as photosynthesis, that process affects the growth and development of plant and ultimately may affect the yield factor of the crop which was determined by using instrument SPAD 502. Leaf length and breadth was measure using scale manually and mean length and breadth of five plants was expressed in centimeter (cm). To determine the stem diameter of plant, Vernier scale (vernier caliper) was used. Mean diameter of plant was measured from base of stem and was expressed in millimeter (mm).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e2.5 Yield parameter observation of potato\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvested tubers were classified into two categories on the basis of tuber weight. Two grade were as follows; \u0026lt;3 g and \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3g. \u0026lt;3g tuber can be called as undersize and need to be recycled next season, whereas \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3g in combined grade counted as seed size and used as next generation material. Number of tuber per plant were counted according to their grade and converted into tuber number per meter square in each grade. Fresh weight of tubers in each grade was recorded with weighing balance by taking average yield of five plants in each replication. Tuber weight was calculated in grams per plant and then converted into grams per meter square. Dry weight of tuber was taken to compute the moisture content in the tuber and expressed in percentage. Dry weight was recorded by drying tuber samples in hot air oven at 65\u0026deg;C for 72 hours or till constant weight is achieved. Haulm yield was determined on fresh weight of above ground plant part per meter square basis. Harvest index was calculated on fresh weight basis using the formula\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHI (%) =\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber weight (m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026times; 100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber weight\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Foliage weight (m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e2.6 Economic analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe gross returns were calculated by converting the economic yield into monetary terms on the basis of prevailing market price of produce whereas net returns were worked out by deducting the cost of cultivation from the gross returns and expressed in Rs. per 300 m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e area of net house. Production cost was calculated by adding of costs involved in performance of net house operations including basic cost (microplant, minituber requirement and construction cost), fixed cost (including interest on fixed cost and net replacement etc.), Variable cost (including interest on working capital and miscellaneous expenses). An indicator that used in cost benefit analysis known as benefit cost ratio that cracks to pr\u0026eacute;cis the overall value for money operation. Benefit cost ratio (B:C) was calculated with the help of following formula\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabb\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eB:C =\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGross return (Rs. per 300 m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e area)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026times; 100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCost of cultivation (Rs. Per 300 m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e area)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e2.7 Statistical analyses\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Factorial-RBD design adopting the procedure followed by Gomez and Gomez (1984). Treatment means were compared by using Least Significant Difference at p\u0026thinsp;\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e\u0026le;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. RESULTS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e3.1 Plant height (cm)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe effect of different planting material growing in soil and soilless culture on plant height in 2020 and 2021 is shown in Table\u0026nbsp;1. Significant taller plant was recorded in soil (25.28 cm and 25.67 cm) than soilless (16.02 cm and 16.46 cm). Between the variations in planting materials, significant difference was also observed in 2020 and 2021 in which maximum plant height was recorded in minituber than microplant Significant interaction between media and planting material was found, from which maximum plant height was recorded in minituber grown in soil (28.26 cm and 28.72 cm) whereas minimum plant height was reported in microplant grown in soilless (14.43 cm and 14.65cm).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2 Compound leaf numbers per plant\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumber of compound leaves per plant as influenced by different growing media and type of planting material are summarized in Table\u0026nbsp;1. Data pertaining from Table\u0026nbsp;1 showed that maximum number of leaves were recorded with soil (12.06 and 12.69) compared to soilless culture (10.65 and 11.07) in 2020 and 2021. Thus, analytic results showed statistically significant variation across medias during different crop growth stages. Perusal of the data revealed that influence of type of planting material on number of compound leaves per plant across was found significant (Table\u0026nbsp;1) in which maximum number of compound leaves per plant were found in minituber (11.61 and 12.16) than microplant (11.10 and 11.60). The combined effect of the media and planting material for number of compound leaves was found significant in 2020 and 2021. Interaction between them results that significantly highest numbers of leaves were found in minituber grown in soil (12.93 and 13.55) respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.3 Stem Diameter (mm)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe results of the present study presented in Table\u0026nbsp;1 clearly indicates that stem diameter showed significant differences among media and planting material in 2020 and 2021. This is evident from results that stem diameter was varied significantly between the media, the maximum diameter of stem was observed in soilless media which is significantly more than stem diameter in soil media. It is obvious from the Table\u0026nbsp;1 that planting material also influenced the plant morphological characteristics. Mean stem diameter of plant was observed more in minitubers plant as compared to plants grown from microplants. Significant interaction was found between media and planting material for stem diameter, in which maximum stem diameter was recorded in minituber grown in soilless culture\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4 Leaf length (cm)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result pertaining to number of leaf length across all treatment combinations in 2020 and 2021 (Table\u0026nbsp;1) It was observed that maximum leaf length was recorded in soilless (19.23 cm and 19.58) as compare to planning material grown in soil having leaf length 16.86 cm and 17.15 cm. Table\u0026nbsp;1 is clearly showing the difference between planting material also, in which significant higher leaf length was observed in (20.01 cm, 20.29 cm) than microplant having leaf length is 16.07 cm and 16.44 cm in 2020 and 2021. Perusal data showed significant interaction between media and planting material of potato. Maximum leaf length was recorded in minituber grown in soilless (20.42 cm, 20.63 cm) than other treatments in 2020 and 2021.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.5 Leaf breadth (cm)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResults pertaining to Leaf breadth presented in table (Table\u0026nbsp;1) indicate that leaf breadth significant affected by media and planting material in 2020 and 2021. Significantly highest leaf breadth was recorded in soilless (12.01 cm and 12.27 cm) compared to soil (9.39 cm and 9.87 cm). The data presented in Table\u0026nbsp;1 also revealed that significantly higher leaf breadth was recorded in minituber (11.66 cm and 11.97 cm) than microplant (9.74 cm, 10.17 cm). Significant interaction between media and planting material was found. In which, maximum leaf breadth was observed in minituber grown in soilless (12.45 cm and 12.72 cm).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.6 SPAD value\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data on changes in SPAD value showed (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) that it was varied significantly between the media in 2020 and 2021. In early stage of potato, non-significant difference was observed for SPAD values between the media at 35 DAP in both the year. But in later stages, it was observed that significant higher SPAD value was observed in soil (39. 32, 39.51 and 38.03, 38.15) than soilless (36.01, 36.14 and 36.04, 36.08) at 55 and 70 DAP, respectively in 2020 and 2021. While along the planting materials, there was non-significant difference between both media at all stages (35, 55 70 DAP) in both the years. Significant interaction between media and planting material for SPAD value was observed at 55 DAP and 70 DAP in 2020 and 2021. Maximum mean SPAD value was recorded in minitubers grown in soil (40.15, 40.28 and 39.08, 39.32) than other treatment combinations at 55 and 70 DAP, respectively in both the year.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.7 Leaf area index\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaf area index (LAI) is the ratio of surface area of a leaf and ground occupied area which is a dimensionless quantity that characterizes plant canopies. Moreover, one sided green leaf area per unit ground surface area in broad leaf canopies. Leaf area index was non-significant difference between the media at 35, 55 and 70 DAP in 2020 and 2021. But leaf area index was significantly affected by planting material of potato at 35, 55 and 70 DAP in both the year. Highest LAI was found in minituber at 35 DAP (2.06, 2.08) 55 DAP (2.04, 2.09) as well as 70 DAP (2.68, 2.71) compared to 1.26, 1.28 and 1.40, 1.43 and 2.05, 2.10 in microplant at 35 DAP and 55DAP and 70 DAP, respectively in 2020 and 2021. Significant interaction between media and planting material was found at 55 DAP. From which minitubers grown in soil media (2.11, 2.13) have maximum LAI as compared to other treatment combination.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.8 Less than 3g tuber number (m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data manifested in Table\u0026nbsp;3 revealed that there was significant difference between the media in 2020 and 2021. The minimum number of this grade of tuber per meter square basis was observed in soilless (62.33, 63.15) while the maximum numbers of tubers per plant were observed in soil (195.04, 195.43). Non-significant difference was found between the planting material for less than 3g (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;3g) tuber number per meter square basis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.9 More than 3g tuber number (m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumber of tubers which were weighing more than 3g (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3g) was observed to be statistically non-significant influenced by media and planting material (Table\u0026nbsp;3) in 2020 and 2021. No significant interaction was observed between media and planting material for the production of \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3g tuber number per meter square basis in both the year.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.10 Total number of tubers (all grades) (m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData pertaining to the total number of tubers per plant under different treatments are given in Table\u0026nbsp;2. Present study showed that total numbers of tubers per meter square were significantly affected by different media. Significantly highest numbers of tuber under this category were observed in soil (541.3, 541.65) than soilless (398.1, 398.91) in 2020 and 2021. As data is showing, no significant difference between planting material in both the years.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.11 Less than 3g tuber weight (g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data pertaining to weight of less than 3g (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;3g) tubers per square meter in different treatment is given in Table\u0026nbsp;3. In the experiment, non-significant differences for tuber weight under this category was observed among media as well as for different planting material in 2020 and 2021. Interactions effect between media and planting material for less than 3g tuber weight per square meter of tubers per meter square are presented in the table, result of which was observed statistically non-significant in both the year.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.12 More than 3g tuber weight (g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResult pertaining to media presented in the Table\u0026nbsp;3 indicated that tuber weight of this category was observed non-significant difference in 2020 and 2021. In the present study, data indicated that total yield of potato in insect proof net house varied significantly between the planting materials. The weight of tubers per square meter was observed significantly higher in minituber (6610.44g, 6641.75g) than microplant (4073.66g, 4098.74g) in 2020 and 2021. There was noted from the data that significant interaction between media and planting material for this grade of tuber weight per meter square. Significant higher weight of this category was observed in minituber grown in soil than other treatment combination.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.13 Total tuber weight (all grades) (g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the determination of multiplication rate of potato, total tuber yield is important parameter and is most decisive for seed potato production. The data presented in the Table\u0026nbsp;3 revealed that difference between the media was non-significant for total tuber weight per meter square. The characters showed significant differences among the different planting material, from which significantly higher weight of all graded tuber per meter square basis was observed in minituber (6807.95g, 6840.5g) as compared to microplant (4305.12g, 4330.57g) in 2020 and 2021. The result showed significant interaction between media and planting material in both the year. Significantly higher weight was observed in minituber grown in soil and lowest weight was observed in microplant grown in soilless.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.14 Fresh Haulm yield (g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedia and planting material interactions had significant impact on fresh haulm yield of potato during 2020 and 2021 (Table\u0026nbsp;1). Mean fresh haulm yield per meter square was observed significantly higher in soil (1492.44 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e, 1493.35 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e) than soilless (948.05 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e, 949 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e). The mean haulm yield per meter square for the planting material with minituber during 2020 and 2021 was 1455.41 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e and 1456.05 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e, respectively which was significantly higher than microplant (985.08 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e and 986.31 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e). Within the interaction effect between media and planting material, significant higher haulm yield was recorded in minituber grown in soil (1859.07 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e, 1862.01 g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e) in 2020 and 2021.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.15 Dry matter of tuber (%)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data accumulated and presented in Table\u0026nbsp;1 furnished the following results due to different growing media and type of planting material on tuber dry matter in potato in 2020 and 2021. Significant differences were observed with regard to media and planting material in dry matter of tuber in percent in both the year. It is quite apparent from table that significant higher dry weight of tuber was recorded in soil (16.35%, 16.36%) compared to soilless (14.48%, 14.55%) in 2020 and 2021. Data also showed that planting material significantly affected the tuber dry weight. The mean maximum dry weight was recorded in produce of microplant (16.60%, 16.62%) and minimum in minituber produce (14.24% and 14.28%) in 2020 and 2021. No significant interaction effect was observed between media and planting material for dry matter of tuber in both the year.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.16 Harvest Index\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is evident from the data that influence of media with respect to harvest index was found significant variation in 2020 and 2021. Maximum value of harvest index was observed in soilless (0.85 \u003cem\u003ei.e.\u003c/em\u003e 85.7%, 0.86 \u003cem\u003ei.e.\u003c/em\u003e 86.5%) compared to soil (0.77 \u003cem\u003ei.e.\u003c/em\u003e 77.7%, 0.78 \u003cem\u003ei.e.\u003c/em\u003e 78.2%) in both the year. Whereas, planting material was observed non-significantly affected harvest index under insect proof net house in 2020 and 2021.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.17 Economics of production\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe G0 produce of minitubers as utilized in the present study and proposed for planting in soil culture medium, a comparative production advantage as well as of economics for seed minituber production under the microplant planting material was observed. Maximum net return (₹ 857285, ₹ 857868.2) and benefit: cost ratio (11.63, 11.64) was recorded in minituber planting material in comparison to microplant which had net return and B: C ratio of ₹ 550347.8, ₹ 551109.2 and 6.21, 6.22 in case of soil, respectively. In the other culture media \u003cem\u003ei.e.\u003c/em\u003e soilless culture media (cocopeat), minituber planting material have higher net return (₹383113, ₹ 383663.8 ) and benefit: cost ratio (1.885, 1.886) as compared to microplant planting material having which net return and benefit : cost ratio of ₹176154.2, ₹ 178033.4 and 1.384, 1.388.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable:1 Effect of different media and planting material on growth parameters of potato under net house condition\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabc\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"15\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c15\" colnum=\"15\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant height (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaf numbers (Plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStem diameter (mm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaf length (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaf Breadth (cm)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDry matter of tuber (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c15\" namest=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFresh haulm yield (g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"15\" nameend=\"c15\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoilless\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e948.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e949\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1492.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1493.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCD (p\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cspan type=\"BoldUnderline\" class=\"BoldUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e\u0026le;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e0.05)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.274\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.962\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e243.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e242.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSE(m)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.361\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.273\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"15\" nameend=\"c15\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlanting material\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMicroplant\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.62\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e985.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e986.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMinituber\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1455.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1456.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCD (p\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cspan type=\"BoldUnderline\" class=\"BoldUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e\u0026le;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e0.05)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.274\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.962\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e243.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e242.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSE(m)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.361\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.273\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"15\" nameend=\"c15\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInteraction (Media \u0026times; Planting material)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCD (p\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cspan type=\"BoldUnderline\" class=\"BoldUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e\u0026le;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e0.05)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e344.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e343.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSE(m)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.511\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.386\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e97.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e97.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable:2 Effect of different media and planting material on yield (m\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003e) of potato under net house condition\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabd\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"13\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;3g tuber grade\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3g tuber grade\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll graded\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber number\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber number\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber number\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTuber weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"13\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedia\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoilless\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e172.82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e172.59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e335.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e335.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5521.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5533.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e398.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e398.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5693.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5705.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e195.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e195.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e256.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e257.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e346.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e346.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5163.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5207.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e541.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e541.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5419.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5465.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCD (p\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cspan type=\"BoldUnderline\" class=\"BoldUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e\u0026le;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e0.05)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77.88\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSE (m)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e305.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e304.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e305.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e303.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"13\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlanting material\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMicroplant\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e153.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e154.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e231.45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e231.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e293.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e293.88\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4073.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4098.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e447.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e448.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4305.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4330.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMinituber\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e103.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e104.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e197.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e198.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e388.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e388.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6610.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6641.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e491.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e492.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6807.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6840.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCD (p\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cspan type=\"BoldUnderline\" class=\"BoldUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e\u0026le;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e0.05)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1076.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1073.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1077.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1069.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSE (m)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e305.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e304.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e305.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e303.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"13\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInteraction (Media \u0026times; Planting material)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCD (p\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cspan type=\"BoldUnderline\" class=\"BoldUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e\u0026le;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e0.05)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1522.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1518.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1524.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1513.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSE (m)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e431.59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e430.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e432.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e428.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e4.1 Plant height\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant height is crucial for monitoring the overall architecture of the canopy and for controlling leaf orientation, which in turn controls how efficiently a plant uses its natural resources for its photosynthesis activities. Under net house circumstances, increased plant height in potato production more in soil might be due to media compositions enhance root and shoot development, efficiently retain nutrients which are essential for robust growth (Choita \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2015; Santhosha et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) and also roots of an aeroponic system are developed entirely suspended in the air, they have access to all of the available oxygen, which further accelerates plant growth rates through root aeration (Mehandru et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Minitubers were the planting method that resulting higher plants than microplants; the observed variations may have been caused by a combination of genetic factors, growing conditions, and the availability of nutrients in a greenhouse (Nyamangyoku \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2018). Srivastava et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e reported that increasing plant height may be result of increased number of nodes which may lead to increased number of leaves per plant. The present finding on plant height is in accordance with the result of Awati et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) who found significant variation among the interactions between variety and solid media and reported that variation because of properties having different media and different growth habit of different varieties of potato plant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec30\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.2 Compound leaf numbers per plant\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoil methods compared to soilless based cultivation typically produce more leaves per plant because of the improved root environment and increased nutrient availability. Soil offers a balanced environment that encourages deep root growth and effective nutrient uptake and distribution throughout the plant. When compared to potato plants grown via different planting material; minituber plants often have more leaves per plant. Navarre et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) reported genetic variability and natural environmental stimuli encountered during field cultivation and these factors promote vigorous leaf growth in minituber-derived plants. Additionally, the controlled environment of micropropagation may limit leaf formation due to regulated growth conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec31\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.3 Stem Diameter (mm)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eControlled substrate under soilless environment promotes vigorous root growth, efficient nutrient uptake, nutrient leaching and minimizes soil-borne diseases allowing plants to allocate more resources to the formation of thicker stems (Gianquinto et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Minituber production methods typically yield higher stem diameter compared to microplant due to the initial growth conditions. Minitubers develop from seed tubers under natural soil conditions, allowing for more robust root and stem development. In contrast, micropropagation involves growing plants from small tissue cultures in controlled environments, which can limit stem diameter due to restricted root development (Sharma \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2013).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec32\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.4 Leaf length (cm)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoilless method, controlled substrate environment minimizes compaction and nutrient leaching, allowing plants to allocate more resources towards leaf development. Minituber production methods typically result in higher leaf length compared to microplants due to the initial growth conditions. Minitubers develop from seed tubers planted in soil, allowing for more extensive root development and nutrient uptake, which can contribute to longer leaves. In contrast, micropropagation involves growing plants from small tissue cultures in sterile conditions, which may limit root development and nutrient acquisition, potentially affecting leaf size (George et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec33\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.5 Leaf breadth (cm)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoilless cultivation of potato ensures an aerated, nutrient rich environment that accelerates root growth and nutrient-uptake leading to a well branched leaf system apart from reducing nutritional competition towards the expansion of leaves. When minitubers production methods are considered, they lead to broader leaves than in case of plantlets obtained by micropropagation due to the initial growth conditions and development of roots. In contrast, micropropagation involves growing plants from small tissue cultures in controlled environments, which may limit root development and nutrient acquisition, potentially affecting leaf size (George \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2008).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec34\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.6 SPAD value\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) value of potato leaf measures chlorophyll content, indicating photosynthetic activity and nutrient status. The increase in SPAD value correlates with an increase in days after sowing, reflecting improved chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity as the plant matures. Consequently, the photosynthetic capacity is increased through chlorophyll content increases. This allows microplant to support vigorous early growth and chlorophyll production, contributing to higher photosynthetic efficiency (Rahman et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Plant behaviour may also affected by light intensity, interception and refection through different objects result of which chlorophyll content may also be affected. Xiaofeng \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., (2015) reported that light is an important factor that affect chlorophyll content,different wavelength have different effect on chlorophyll content which may also affect yield of \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e potato plantlets. Zebarth et al (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e) showed that Leaf chlorophyll index in potatoes increased with an increase in N availability. Sufficient nitrogen has a positive effect on leaf chlorophyll content. Khazaei and Arshadi (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e) found that a positive and significant linear relationship between the amounts of nitrogen consumed in soil with chlorophyll and leaf N concentrations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec35\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.7 Leaf area index\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaf Area Index (LAI) quantifies the total leaf surface area per unit ground area, indicating vegetation density and canopy structure. The increase in LAI correlates with an increase in days after planting, reflecting the growth and development of vegetation over time (Weiss et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) but lower LAI in 55 DAP may due to due to earthling up which reduces number of leaf ultimately decreases LAI. Higher LAI values in soil growing methods are often attributed to the natural, varied nutrient availability and better root support provided by soil. Soil promotes robust plant growth and a larger canopy, while soilless systems may face challenges with nutrient delivery and environmental control, affecting overall leaf development and LAI. Mobini et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e reported that different levels of aeration influenced significantly leaf area index. Minituber production typically results in higher Leaf Area Index (LAI) values compared to microplant due to the larger size and more developed plant structure of minitubers. This allows minitubers to establish a greater leaf area early in growth, enhancing photosynthetic capacity and overall plant vigor (Li et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec36\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.8 Potato Yield\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigher numbers of minituber particularly in the less than 3g weight category produced in soil compared to soilless methods. This is often attributed to improved root aeration, optimal nutrient availability, and reduced disease pressure in soilless environments, which collectively promote enhanced tuber formation and development. Singh \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e (2008) and Sadawarti \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e (2017) have reported that minitubers of potato which are produced from micro plants or micro tubers under net house conditions have \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;3 g of weight which may be a more valuable material, but due to their small size require one more season to grow under protected condition to improve their size and further their effective utilization in the field. All grades tuber number produced maximum in soil may due to accelerated growth rate parameters like plant height, more leaf numbers (Table\u0026nbsp;1). Awati et al (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) founded that interaction among variety and media with respect to yield was significant due to different media have different properties as same as different variety have different genetic composition and also reported that the observation seen could be due to photosynthetic area differences that effect tuber formation of potato plant. Better growth of the above ground parts lead to more photosynthate formation and their translocation and accumulation in sink (tuber) resulting in higher yield (Diengdoh \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2012). Many researchers reported that total tuber number rather than tuber weight is important for reporting yield in net house production. Malic (1995) reported that number of leaves influences the tuber production due to more vegetative growth that lead to better carbohydrate formation. Maximum tuber weight was obtain from minituber plantlets may due to better growth rate of parameters like plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf breadth, LAI and chlorophyll content. Bukema and Zaag in 1990 reported that number of primary stem arising from seed is important because it influences the number and size of tubers at harvest.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec37\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.9 Haulm yield (g m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariability in potato haulm yield is observed across different cultivars and growing environments (Khan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Soil is usually the most available growing medium for plants as it provides anchorage, nutrients, air, water etc. for plant growth. Soil media typically results in higher haulm yield compared to soilless cultivation due to its rich, diverse nutrient profile and natural structure, which supports vigorous plant growth. Soil also retains moisture and supports beneficial microorganisms that enhance nutrient uptake. In contrast, soilless systems require precise nutrient management and may struggle with balancing environmental factors, potentially limiting haulm development (Fuentes-Pe\u0026ntilde;ailillo \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2024). Minitubers are small tubers grown from seed potatoes under controlled conditions, which allows for better development of the plant's vegetative growth (haulm). This method provides a stronger initial plant vigor and larger root system, which ultimately supports increased haulm production compared to plants propagated through micropropagation, where plants are grown from tissue cultures in laboratory conditions (Sharma \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2013).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec38\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.10 Dry matter of tuber (%)\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoilless media like cocopeat mixed with rice husk can result in lower dry matter accumulation compared to traditional soil cultivation. This is often due to limitations in nutrient and water retention in soilless media, which can impact plant growth and biomass. Traditional soil provides a more complex nutrient environment and better moisture retention, supporting higher dry matter accumulation (Singh \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2019; Kumar \u0026amp; Sharma, 2020). Minitubers, grown from seed potatoes under controlled conditions in the field or greenhouse, tend to develop larger and denser tubers with higher dry matter content compared to tubers propagated through micropropagation, where initial growth conditions might limit tuber development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec39\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.11 Harvest Index\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn soil-based cultivation, a higher Harvest Index (HI) typically indicates a more efficient conversion of biomass into harvestable yield, as soil provides a more stable nutrient and water supply (Brady \u0026amp; Weil, 2008). This often results in better plant growth and higher yields compared to soilless systems, which may have variability in nutrient delivery and water management. Soil's complex ecosystem can support better root development and nutrient uptake, enhancing the HI.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec40\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.12 Economics of production\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe production advantage of minitubers cultivated in different growth media varied significantly, with the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio observed in soil-grown minitubers (10.0), while the lowest net return and benefit-cost ratio were recorded in those grown using soilless culture (1.76). The superior economic return of soil-based cultivation can be attributed to lower structural and labor costs compared to soilless systems. The maximum net return from soil-based cultivation is likely due to the efficient utilization of available resources, resulting in higher yields with reduced labor inputs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, the soilless culture method offers a significant advantage in producing disease-free seed potatoes by minimizing soil-borne pathogens. Many potato growers prefer the soilless system for seed multiplication due to its unique benefits. This technique provides a controlled environment, ensuring high-quality seed material with minimal incidence of pests and diseases (Lemma Tessema and Zebenay, 2018). Additionally, the adoption of soilless production technology for early-generation potato seed can help bridge the gap in seed demand (Lemma Tessema and Zebenay Dagne, 2018). According to Gulendam et al. (2009), soilless culture has the potential to address global challenges such as water scarcity, environmental pollution, and ecological instability by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe two-year net house study demonstrated that minitubers cultivated in soil resulted in more plant height, leaf number, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, fresh haulm yield, and total tuber yield compared to other treatments. However, the yield of seed potatoes (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3g) was not influenced by the choice of growth medium or planting material. Although soil-based cultivation generated higher net returns than soilless systems, many potato growers prefer soilless culture for seed multiplication due to its distinct advantages including premium prices. The soilless cultivation method may be more beneficial for producing healthy seed potatoes by reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases. Additionally, it offers a viable alternative for regions where land is not suitable for cultivation of seed potatoes and provides an option for individuals without access to agricultural land.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflicts of Interest:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is no conflicts of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that no funding was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor contribution:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSugani Devi, Sukhwinder Singh designed the experiments. All authors collected, analyzed, and interpreted the data. The manuscript was drafted by Khushdil Bharti and all authors read, edited, and approved the final version.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe would like to thank Scientists, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar for providing valuable guidance, sympathetic attitude, valuable suggestions and supervision under which the present study was undertaken and completed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData availability:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAgriculture Statistics (2021) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GoI\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAwati R, Bhattacharya A, Char B (2019) Rapid multiplication technique for production of high-quality seed potato (\u003cem\u003eSolanum tuberosum\u003c/em\u003e L.) tubers. J Appl Biology Biotechnol 7(1):1\u0026ndash;5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBhadra P, Debnath SC (2015) Comparative performance of in vitro propagated potato (\u003cem\u003eSolanum tuberosum\u003c/em\u003e L.) plantlets in field condition with conventional minitubers. Am J Potato Res 92(3):317\u0026ndash;324\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrady NC, Weil RR, Weil RR (2008) The nature and properties of soils, vol 13. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, pp 662\u0026ndash;710\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChiota WM, Mabiza P, Chaibva P, Gama T (2015) Evaluating the effects of non-soil media on emergence and growth of potato (\u003cem\u003eSolunum tuberosum\u003c/em\u003e L). Int J Biosci 7(3):24\u0026ndash;30\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFAOSTAT. Database collection of the Food and Agriculture Organization of India (2023) \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://www.faostat.fao.org\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Available from: www.faostat.fao.org\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeorge EF, Hall MA, De Klerk GJ (eds) (2007) Plant propagation by tissue culture: volume 1. the background, vol 1. Springer Science \u0026amp; Business Media\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGianquinto G, Mu\u0026ntilde;oz P, Pardossi A, Ramazzotti S, Savvas D (2013) 10. Soil fertility and plant nutrition. \u003cem\u003eGood Agricultural Practices for greenhouse vegetable crops\u003c/em\u003e, 205\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoward M, Resh (2013) \u003cem\u003eHydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and the Commercial Hydroponic Grower\u003c/em\u003e. CRC Press. ISBN-13: 978-1439878675\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKhan MS, Hoogenboom G, Gillani SM, Shah AS, Khan I (2024) Effects of Planting Date and Genotypes on Potato Growth and Yield Determination in a. Sub-Tropical Continental Growing Environment\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKhazaei H, Arshadi MJ (2008) Effect of nitrogen fertilizer management using chlorophyll meter on yield andquality characteristics of potato cultivar Agria in Mashhad weather conditions. Agric Sci Technol 22(2):49\u0026ndash;63\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKutschera U, Niklas KJ (2007) The epidermal-growth-control theory of stem elongation: an old and a new perspective. J Plant Physiol 164(11):1395\u0026ndash;1409\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLi R, You J, Miao C, Kong L, Long J, Yan Y, Liu X (2020) Monochromatic lights regulate the formation, growth, and dormancy of in vitro-grown Solanum tuberosum L. microtubers. Sci Hort 261:108947\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMehandru P, Shekhawat NS, Rai MK, Kataria V, Gehlot HS (2014) Evaluation of aeroponics for clonal propagation of \u003cem\u003eCaralluma edulis, Leptadenia reticulata\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eTylophora indica\u003c/em\u003e\u0026ndash;three threatened medicinal Asclepiads. Physiol Mol Biology Plants 20:365\u0026ndash;373\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMobini SH, Ismail MR, Aroiuee H (2015) The impact of aeration on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) minituber production under soilless conditions. Afr J Biotechnol 14(11):910\u0026ndash;921\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNavarre DA, Goyer A, Shakya R (2009) Developing the nutritional potential of potato. Food, \u003cem\u003e3\u003c/em\u003e(1)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNYAMANGYOKU O (2018) Production behavior of in vitro plantlets and mini-tubers of irish potato. Potato J, \u003cem\u003e45\u003c/em\u003e(1)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRahman MH, Islam MJ, Mumu UH, Ryu BR, Lim JD, Azad MOK, Lim YS (2024) Effect of Light Quality on Seed Potato (\u003cem\u003eSolanum tuberose\u003c/em\u003e L.) Tuberization When Aeroponically Grown in a Controlled Greenhouse. Plants 13(5):737\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSanthosha B, Prabhakar BN, Suchitra V, Mallesh S, Kumar BN, Kumar BP (2024) Studies on the Field Performance of True Potato Seed of Different Entries under Telangana Conditions. J Experimental Agric Int 46(6):178\u0026ndash;192\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavvas D, Ntatsi G, Passam HC (2008) Plant Nutrition and Physiological Disorders in Greenhouse Grown Tomato, Pepper and Eggplant. Europ J Plant Sci Biotech 2:45\u0026ndash;61\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSharma AK, Pandey KK (2013) Potato mini-tuber production through direct transplanting of in vitro plantlets in green or screen houses: a review. Potato J 40(2):95\u0026ndash;103\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSrivastava AK, Yadav SK, Diengdoh LC, Rai R and, Bag TK (2016) Effect of plant density on minituber production potential of potato varieties through microplants under net house in North Eastern Himalayan region. J Appl Hortic 18(1):61\u0026ndash;63\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeiss M, Baret F, Smith GJ, Jonckheere I, Coppin P (2004) Review of methods for in situ leaf area index (LAI) determination: Part II. Estimation of LAI, errors and sampling. Agric For Meteorol 121(1\u0026ndash;2):37\u0026ndash;53\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZebarth BJ, Younie M, Paul JW, Bittman S (2002) Evaluation of leaf chlorophyll index for making fertilizer nitrogen recommendations for silage corn in a high fertility environment. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 33(5\u0026ndash;6):665\u0026ndash;684\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":true,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"potato-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"potr","sideBox":"Learn more about [Potato Research](http://link.springer.com/journal/11540)","snPcode":"11540","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/potr/default2.aspx","title":"Potato Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Potato, Microplant, Minituber, Seed Potato, Planting material, Media, Soilless culture","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120241/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120241/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study, titled \u0026ldquo;Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions (\u003cem\u003eSolanum tuberosum\u003c/em\u003e L.)\u0026rdquo;, was conducted at the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (Regional Station), Jalandhar, Punjab (India) over a two-year period (2020\u0026ndash;2021). The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of different cultivation media and planting materials on the growth and yield of seed potatoes under insect-proof net house conditions. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was employed. Two types of cultivation media\u0026mdash;soil and soilless (cocopeat)\u0026mdash;were assessed in combination with two planting materials: microplants and minitubers. The results indicated that soil was the more effective cultivation medium in terms of yield and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio compared to soilless culture. However, the difference in the number of graded seed tubers between soil and soilless systems was statistically non-significant. Despite lower yield, soilless (cocopeat) culture presents a viable alternative in areas with unsuitable soil for cultivation and offers enhanced control over soil-borne disease transmission. Furthermore, soilless systems may become more economically viable when multiple cropping cycles are implemented within a single season. Regarding planting material, the study demonstrated that minitubers exhibited more vigorous growth and higher yield per unit area compared to microplants. Overall, the findings suggest that minitubers cultivated in soil have the highest yield potential and economic viability among the treatment combinations evaluated.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-09 20:07:39","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120241/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2025-09-03T16:56:49+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-03T07:15:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"Potato Research","date":"2025-07-16T06:35:45+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-07-16T04:36:57+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Potato Research","date":"2025-07-14T06:43:27+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"potato-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"potr","sideBox":"Learn more about [Potato Research](http://link.springer.com/journal/11540)","snPcode":"11540","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/potr/default2.aspx","title":"Potato Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"053b52cf-816c-4ebd-8649-ff1d91490e55","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 9th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-01T06:32:50+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-09 20:07:39","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7120241","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7120241","identity":"rs-7120241","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}