THE CULTURE BEHAVIOR OF SOME POTATO CULTIVARS (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) GROWN IN THE POIANA AREEA, CONSTANȚA COUNTY, BETWEEN 2021 AND 2024

Rezumat

The paper presents the results of research conducted between 2021 and 2024 in the vegetable-growing area of Poiana (Constanța County), aiming to evaluate the agronomic performance of five potato cultivars (Arizona, Evolution, Queen Anne, Riviera, and Labella) grown in an early field cropping system under full irrigation conditions.
The main morpho-productive indicators were assessed: number of aerial stems per plant, number of tubers per hill (cluster), average hill weight, and total yield (t/ha). The results revealed significant differences among cultivars. Arizona recorded the highest values for all evaluated parameters (8.3 stems/plant, 12.6 tubers/hill, 42.3 t/ha), followed by Evolution and Queen Anne. Riviera and Labella stood out due to tuber uniformity and earliness, features relevant for fresh market production.
Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between annual precipitation and yield (r = 0.96), as well as between relative air humidity and yield (r = 0.97). Average annual temperature had a low influence (r = 0.15), suggesting good thermal adaptability of the tested cultivars.
The results support practical recommendations for cultivar selection based on local agroclimatic conditions and cropping system requirements in southeastern Romania.