Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions

The present study, titled “Effect of Different Growing Media and Planting Materials on Growth and Yield of Pre-Basic Seed Potato under Insect-Proof Net House Conditions ( Solanum tuberosum L.)”, was conducted at the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (Regional Station), Jalandhar, Punjab (India) over a two-year period (2020–2021). The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of different cultivation media and planting materials on the growth and yield of seed potatoes under insect-proof net house conditions. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was employed. Two types of cultivation media—soil and soilless (cocopeat)—were assessed in combination with two planting materials: microplants and minitubers. The results indicated that soil was the more effective cultivation medium in terms of yield and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio compared to soilless culture. However, the difference in the number of graded seed tubers between soil and soilless systems was statistically non-significant. Despite lower yield, soilless (cocopeat) culture presents a viable alternative in areas with unsuitable soil for cultivation and offers enhanced control over soil-borne disease transmission. Furthermore, soilless systems may become more economically viable when multiple cropping cycles are implemented within a single season. Regarding planting material, the study demonstrated that minitubers exhibited more vigorous growth and higher yield per unit area compared to microplants. Overall, the findings suggest that minitubers cultivated in soil have the highest yield potential and economic viability among the treatment combinations evaluated.