Performance of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties Using True Potato Seed (TPS) at Gerado, Northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Potato is one of economically important crop in Ethiopia. However, the average yield is far below the potential due to many challenges like lack of improved variety and quality seed potatoes. True potato seed is alternative seed source for potato production with many advantages, particularly where seed tubers is hampered by diseases. TPS used in Ethiopia, is negligible but it is likely to gain thrust in future particularly where quality seed tubers are either not available or expensive. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the performance of potato varieties established by open-pollinated TPS seedling for yield and yield components. Eight potato varieties (Local, Bulle, Challa, Dagim, Gudanie, Jalenie, Shonkolla and Zengena) were established by open-pollinated TPS seedling for yield and yield components. The experiment laid in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that a significant variation in most traits was observed. The highest plant height (118.87cm) was recorded from Zengena. Bulle scored the highest marketable, unmarketable, total tuber number and marketable tuber yield per hill was 25.31, 26.03, 51.34 and 1.1117kg respectively. Local scored the highest tuber weight (1.2949 kg hill-1) and tuber yield (54.44 ton ha-1) but not significant different with Bulle, Gudanie, Dagim and Challa varieties due to its highest unmarketable tuber yield (0.3296 kg hill-1). The result of the study reviled that the open-pollinated potato varieties established through TPS have a great influence on yield and yield components of potato. Bulle variety has been recommended in all yield and yield components than others.