Evaluación de un complejo fitohormonal en la producción de papa (Solanum tuberosum L), variedad Super chola en la parroquia Huambaló.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyse the response of the potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.), variety Super Chola, to the application of a commercial phytohormonal complex (Donatron) at three different concentrations: 0.25 cc/L, 0.50 cc/L, and 0.75 cc/L. These doses were applied at two key stages of crop development, at 110 and 130 days after planting. The experiment was conducted in the Huambaló parish, Pelileo canton, Tungurahua province, using a Completely Randomised Block Design (CRBD) with a 3x2 factorial approach, plus a control treatment. In total, 21 plots were evaluated, with three replications per treatment. The variables studied included the visual classification of the tubers, which were categorised from first to sixth grade, along with a rejection group. Statistical analysis was carried out using the InfoStat programme, applying the Tukey test at a 5% significance level. The results revealed that the F2E2 treatment (0.50 cc/L applied three times) achieved the best performance, standing out with the highest averages in the highest commercial quality categories: first (11.47), second (8.07), and third (8.57). In contrast, the F1E1 treatment (0.25 cc/L with two applications) yielded less favourable results. These findings demonstrate that both the dose and the timing of the phytohormonal complex application are key factors in determining the final quality of the harvest. Although the use of the product entails an additional cost, the F2E2 treatment proved to be a viable and efficient alternative, with great potential for implementation in commercial production schemes. Therefore, it is recommended that further research be conducted on a larger scale, including profitability analysis and testing under various climatic conditions, in order to optimise usage recommendations and improve long-term productive outcomes