Experiments on Tanier Production with Conservation in Puerto Rico's Mountain Region

Abstract

Experiments conducted on the cultural and fertility requirements of taniers (Xanthosoma sp.) on typical latosols in the Humid Mountain Region of Puerto Rico showed: 1. Taniers grown under 50-percent shade provided by trees yielded only a third as much as those grown in full sunlight. 2. Taniers planted directly in undisturbed latosols yielded as much as those planted in thoroughly prepared soil. Prometryne gave good results as a pre-emergence herbicide. 3. The Morada, Viequera, Rascana, Bisley, Drearies, and Inglesa varieties gave promising results. 4. Yields increased with population up to 14,700 plants per acre in one experiment, but were unaffected by plant population in another where more favorable rainfall resulted in higher yields. 5. Taniers responded rather consistently to 100 pounds of N per acre in two equal applications but exhibited variable response to applications of P and K. The application of 100 pounds N, 40 pounds P (92 pounds P₂O₅), and 100 pounds K per acre would seem to be a reasonable practice. 6. Ammonium sulfate, urea, ammonium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate and ammonium-nitrate-lime were equally efficient providers of N to taniers, but sodium nitrate applications severely reduced yields.