Dependence of potato yield on weed infestation

Results of the research were based on a field experiment carried out in 2007–2009 at the Experimental Plant of the IHAR-PIB in Jadwisin, on podzolic soil with a granulometric composition of loamy sand. The experiment was established by means of a random sub-block method in a dependent split-plot pattern, in triplicate. The first order factor were the potato cultivars: ‘Irga’ and ‘Fianna’, the second order factor were the methods of weeds regulation: 1) control − without chemical protection; 2) extensive mechanical treatments (every 2 weeks) from planting to closing the rows; 3) Sencor 70 WG – 1 kg ha before potato emergence; 4) Sencor 70 WG – 1 kg ha + Titus 25 WG – 40 g ha + Trend 90 EC – 0.1% before potato emergence; 5) Sencor 70 WG – 0.5 kg ha after potato emergence; 6) Sencor 70 WG – 0.3 kg ha + Titus 25 WG – 30 g ha + Trend 90 EC – 0.1% after potato emergence; 7) Sencor 70 WG – 0.3 kg ha + Fusilade Forte 150 EC – 2 dm ha after potato emergence; 8) Sencor 70 WG – 0.3 kg ha + Apyros 75 WG 26.5 g ha + Atpolan 80 SC – 1 dm ha after potato emergence. The number, floristic compositions, fresh weight and dry matter of weeds were determined. A high, yield-protective effect of herbicides was obtained as a result of limited competition of weeds. Mechanical care contributed to the increase in the total potato yield by 36.2%, and the marketable yield by 45.7%, as compared to the control object.