Effects of Date of Planting on Red Ant (Dorylus orientalis) Management and Tuber Yield of Potato

An experiment was conducted to identify the appropriate time of planting for red ant management and increase tuber yield potato at Agriculture Research Station (ARS), Jaubari, Ilam, Nepal (2900 masl) during 2020 2021 season. Seed potatoes were planted in 9 different plant dates that December 1, 15, January February March 15 April 1. The laid out Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. variety used Janakdev. plot size each treatment 4.5m2 spacing 75 cm x 25 cm. Data collected on vegetative characteristics, parameters, damage scoring (1-5 scale), incidence (%) infested (t/ha). Potatoes first produced highest minimum ants infestation. Early delayed emergence but had maximum ground coverage. In both years (19.86 t/ha 25.48 respectively 2021) seed Tuber less early late potatoes. Along higher 1 lowest damaged score, (t/ha) years. It is recommended infestation should be week Jaubari area similar conditions hills Nepal.