USE OF THE CROP WATER STRESS INDEX (CWSI) TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF WATER TABLE DEPTH ON POTATO

The paper reports the results of trials conducted on potatoes grown in a plot at various water table depths for the purpose of evaluating water supply by means of infrared thermometry. Tuber yield was found to be inversely proportional to water table depth. Stress indices, i.e. (Tc-Ta) and CWSI, were directly correlated with yield and highly correlated with water table depth. Findings showes that infrared thermometry is an effective method of monitoring the effects of water table on potato crops. The "baseline" for the behaviour of the potato variety used in the trials in the Po valley environment was also experimentally determined. The CWSI thus obtained was compared to that calculated according to the baseline proposed by Idso.