REPOSTA DA BATATA (Solanum tuberosum L.) SOB DOSES DE FÓSFORO E SILÍCIO

Abstract

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) holds significant economic importance, being one of the most consumed vegetables in Brazil and the world. Due to market demand and its preference in diets, it is cultivated in various regions and under diverse soil fertility conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of phosphorus dosage through the presence of silicon, in the, production and physical quality of potato tubers. The experiment was in the municipality of Itumbiara, southern Goiás, in the area of the Community Garden of the Juca Andrade Municipal Full-Time School. The study site was located at latitude 18°23'43.0" S, longitude 49°13'13.9" W, at an altitude of 443 meters. Planting was done in furrows spaced 0.8 m between rows and 0.30 m between plants. Each plot consisted of four rows, with the two central rows considered as the useful area. In total, there were 48 plots, in a 2x6 factorial scheme, with four repetitions, considering presence and absence of silicon and six phosphorus doses: 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 kg ha-1. The doses were applied in two stages, with 80% applied at planting and 20% during hilling. Silicon applications were made every 10 days through spraying, starting one week after emergence until the final tuberization phase. Parameters evaluated included number and length of stems, average tuber weight, classification, total and commercial tuber number, fry test, soluble solids content (°Brix), fresh tuber weight, and dry tuber weight. The phosphorus application increased the length and number of stems, tubers number and their average mass, contributing to productivity. Positive effects of phosphorus were observed when applied 400 kg ha-1 for the characteristics of number of tubers, average mass and commercial tubers quantity, at a 5% probability level. The combined application of silicon was not efficient in reducing phosphorus doses and when applied alone, silicon was not significant.