IMPACT OF SPRAYER NOZZLE TYPES ON YIELD COMPONENTS OF TWO CULTIVATED POTATO VARIETIES

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important cultivated crops in Po- land, and its yield and quality are strongly influenced by agrotechnical factors, including effective weed control. The effectiveness of herbicide application depends not only on the active substance but also on spraying technology, particularly the type of nozzles used. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different sprayer nozzles on the total yield and yield structure of two table potato cultivars (Jurek and Finezja). Field experiments were carried out in 2018–2020 at the Experimental Station in Zawady, on slightly acidic soil belonging to the very good rye complex. The trial was established in a split-plot design with three replications. The following treatments were included: (1) control – mechanical cultivation, (2) flat fan nozzles AP12003, (3) hollow cone nozzles HCI8003, and (4) 3D Hypro nozzles. Spraying was performed at 4 bar pressure and a capacity of 1.39 l·min−1. The results demonstrated that the type of nozzles significantly affected the yield and its structure. The findings indicate that appropriate nozzle selection may improve potato yield and its quality parameters, which has practical implications for optimizing crop production.