Comparison of heritage and modern crop cultivars in response to irrigation and nitrogen management : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2012
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Massey University
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Abstract
There is a resurgence of interest in heritage crop cultivars (potatoes, squash and yams) in New Zealand because of the premiums farmers get at niche markets. However, a paucity of information in relation to their growth characteristics and resource use efficiency limit successful management of these crops. This research compares the response of different heritage and modern crop cultivars to irrigation, nitrogen (N) fertiliser and canopy management. Some heritage cultivars produced as much marketable yield as modern cultivars while other heritage cultivars had low yields. Modern potatoes were more responsive to irrigation and N than heritage potato crops (collectively known as Taewa). Application of more than 80 kg N ha-1 decreased yield in Taewa (Moe Moe, Tutaekuri) whereas, it increased the yield of modern potatoes (Agria, Moonlight). Full irrigation (FI) increased yield in modern potatoes and Moe Moe. In contrast, Tutaekuri yield was greatest with partial irrigation (PI). FI and 80 kg N ha-1 are recommended for Moe Moe production whereas PI and less than 80 kg N ha-1 are recommended for Tutaekuri. In addition, greater tuber dry matter and low sugar content suggest that Taewa would have better cooking and processing qualities than modern potatoes. Heritage crops required more water than modern crop cultivars because they mature later. There was high ‘water use efficiency’ in heritage pumpkin squash; high ‘irrigation water use efficiency’ in modern potatoes and high ‘economic water productivity’ for heritage potatoes and pumpkin squash. Heritage crop cultivars adapted to water deficit by developing more roots, higher photosynthetic WUE and leaf water potential than modern cultivars. Although total biomass production was similar, heritage crops tended to produce less marketable yield than modern cultivars because of excessive vegetative growth and potato psyllid infestation. Two strategies to manage the canopy and reduce vegetative growth using chlorocholine chloride (CCC) and mechanical topping were developed. Both strategies increased marketable yield in Taewa by 32 - 44%. Application of CCC at 25 and 50 days after emergence (DAE) was recommended for irrigated Taewa, whereas mechanical topping and application of CCC at 25 and 30 DAE were recommended for both irrigated and rain-fed Taewa. The study also observed that potato psyllid need to be controlled up to 170 DAE in Taewa to avoid yield loss equivalent to NZ$10, 485 to NZ$17, 412 per ha. This study contributes to policy on sustainable and improved Maori land use. It can be concluded that premium market prices are important to the success of heritage crops (i.e. to maintain their high ‘economic water productivity’) whereas modern crops might use irrigation water more efficiently (i.e. greater ‘water use efficiency’). It is evident that heritage crops can be grown successfully, and that on occasions they use valuable resources efficiently. To enhance water use efficiency, management of heritage crops should focus on improving the harvest index.
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Keywords
Heritage crops, Heirloom varieties (plants), Potatoes, Squash, Yams, Oca, Pumpkin, Crop irrigation, Crop yield