Effect of Sprayer Nozzle Type on Micronutrient Content in Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.)
摘要
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sprayer nozzle types on the micronutrient content (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn) in tubers of two table potato cultivars (Jurek and Finezja). Field experiments were carried out in 2018–2020 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady (Poland) on slightly acidic soil classified as a very good rye complex. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The experimental factors included potato cultivar and herbicide application method using four variants: mechanical weed control, flat-fan nozzles AP12003, hollow-cone nozzles HCI8003, and Hypro 3D nozzles. Herbicide treatments were applied at a pressure of 4 bar and a flow rate of 1.39 L min⁻1. The results demonstrated that nozzle type significantly influenced the content of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in potato tubers. The highest concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn were obtained with the use of Hypro 3D nozzles, whereas the highest Zn content was recorded after application with flat-fan and hollow-cone nozzles. No significant differences in Mo content were observed among nozzle treatments. Cultivar significantly affected the content of B, Fe, Mn, and Zn, with higher B, Fe, and Mn concentrations found in the Finezja cultivar and higher Zn content in the Jurek cultivar. Year-to-year variability had no significant effect on most micronutrients, except for Zn. These findings indicate that appropriate selection of sprayer nozzle type can modify the micronutrient composition of potato tubers and thus contribute to improving tuber nutritional quality.