Effect of Planting Date and Intra-row Spacing on Growth, Yield and Quality of Taro

Field experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of the Horticultural Research Station of Barrage, Qalyubia Governorate during 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons to evaluate the influence of planting date (mid-November, mid-December, mid-January and mid-February) and intra-row spacing (20, 30, 40 and 50 cm) on growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta cv. Balady), with a particular attempt to establish an early planting system under Egyptian conditions. Planting date x intra-row spacing interaction had a significant effect on vegetative growth parameters and total yield/feddan. Early planting dates with closer distances between plants gave the highest values for these characters. This study demonstrated that planting date and intra-row spacing affect growth and yield of taro. Early plantings in mid-November or mid-December along with close spacing of 20 cm can be recommended for obtaining early and high production of taro under Qalyubia conditions.