Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) in Thiruvananthapuram, India, establishes standardized agronomic practices to optimize yields for tuber crops.
This includes determining the ideal planting density (spacing) for crops like sweet potato (*Ipomoea batatas*).
Key Formula or Approach:
The plant density per hectare can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{Plant Density} = \frac{\text{Total Area (in m}^2\text{)}}{\text{Row Spacing (m)} \times \text{Plant Spacing (m)}} \]
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to ICAR-CTCRI guidelines, the standard recommended spacing for planting sweet potato vine cuttings is $60 \text{ cm} \times 20 \text{ cm}$ (row-to-row spacing of $60 \text{ cm}$ and plant-to-plant spacing of $20 \text{ cm}$).
Using this recommended spacing, we can calculate the optimum plant density per hectare ($1 \text{ hectare} = 10,000 \text{ m}^2$):
Convert spacing values to meters:
- Row spacing = $0.6 \text{ m}$
- Plant spacing = $0.2 \text{ m}$
Now, calculate the density:
\[ \text{Plant Density} = \frac{10000}{0.6 \times 0.2} \]
\[ \text{Plant Density} = \frac{10000}{0.12} \approx 83,333 \text{ plants/ha} \]
Rounding to the nearest thousand yields the standard density of 83,000 plants/ha.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The recommended plant density for sweet potato is 83,000 plants/ha, corresponding to option (C).