Influence of sett fresh weight and depth of planting on performance of arracacha

Abstract

Quantitative information on the performance of arracacha is limited as to the influence of sett size and depth. Setts for propagation of this crop vary in size and fresh weight. Depth of planting appears to influence yield. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of combinations of sett fresh weight and depth of planting on arracacha's emergence, stand, and dry matter and corm fresh weight at harvest, and to assess the quantity and fresh weight of setts produced by a plant after completing the growing cycle. Plants grown from setts weighing 36 g and 60 g did not differ in dry weight, leaf area, fresh weight of the corm at harvest nor in percentages of emergence and stand. Plants from the setts weighing 16 g had less leaf area, less corm dry weight and fewer percentages of emergence and stand than plants from the setts of 60 g. Planting deeper significantly increased corm fresh and dry weights, but decreased the percentages of emergence and stand. Differences in the size of the setts produced by the plant are in part a consequence of the sequential development of the buds within the corm. In plants sampled at 228 and 256 days after planting the number of setts ranged from 10 to 23, averaging 16 ± 4 SD per plant. At harvest, the fresh weight of individual setts ranged from 9 to 73 g, averaging 38 g ± 20 SD. Avoiding the use of small setts may improve chances for better stand and productivity.