Differential Response of Potato Cultivars to Metribuzin

Abstract

In greenhouse studies, 11 cultivars of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) responded differently to foliar applications of metribuzin [4-amino-6- tert -butyl-3-(methylthio)- as -triazine-5-(4H)one] at rates of 0.14 to 1.12 kg/ha. The first symptoms of metribuzin injury varied among cultivars. When measured 14 days after treatment, the dry weight was reduced more than the height or the vigor. Height was least affected. When metribuzin was applied at 0.14 kg/ha, the height of ‘Norchip,’ the vigor of ‘Norland,’ ‘Norchip,’ and ‘White Rose,’ and the dry weight of ‘Red La Soda,’ ‘Cascade,’ ‘Norchip,’ and ‘White Rose’ were reduced significantly 14 days after treatment. Plant vigor and dry weight of all of the cultivars were reduced significantly by metribuzin applied at 1.12 kg/ha. ‘Nooksack’ and ‘Norgold’ were the most tolerant to foliar applications of metribuzin, and ‘Norchip’ and ‘White Rose’ were the most susceptible.