Abstract
Decreasing farmland and increasing demand for nutrient-dense food highlights a need for more efficient growing practices that increase grower revenue and reduce costs associated with potato farming. Using best management practices developed for Russet Burbank to optimize growth for new varieties may reduce efficiency and limit grower returns. As such, best management practices should be evaluated for newly released varieties. Clearwater russet, a variety released from the Pacific Northwest Variety Development Program in 2008 and accepted by McDonald’s in 2016, has substantially increased in acreage in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) due to desirable processing characteristics. Potato seed size plays an important role in emergence and plant establishment. Moreover, seed size may affect economic returns by altering seed costs. This study focused on the impact of seed type and size on the overall performance of the potato crop. Seed type (cut vs. whole) was evaluated for Clearwater Russet. Seed type showed no significant yield difference. Whole seed had significantly higher economic returns, and larger seed sizes within both types generally led to higher yields and economic returns. No significant interactions between seed size or years were observed. Highest yields were observed at seed sizes of 70.9 g for cut and 85 g for whole seed. The maximum seed-cost adjusted return was achieved at an optimal seed piece size of 70.9 g for whole seed based on percent difference from 28.3 g seed piece. The relation between average tuber weight and average tubers per plant suggested that high-vigor plants resulted in better yields. Larger seed tubers and pieces, with more eyes, produced more stems and tubers, which led to reduced average tuber weight. An optimal balance between tuber size and number per plant was identified to be 46.5 g cut and 55 g whole. This study highlights the importance of seed size on total yield, economic returns, and size profile of tubers produced. Thus, necessitating the need of selecting the right seed size based on the desired outcome by the potato growers.