Selection for Individual Traits in the Early Generations of Potato Breeding Program Dedicated to Processing Chips

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) breeding and selection programs aim to develop new cultivars of superior and improved qualities. Early generation selection plays a critical role in the success of such a program. The major objective of this study was to determine the select ability of individual traits in the early generations of clones targeted for the potato chip processing industry. For this study, the cross between NDO1496-1 and A90359-7 was used. Progenies of this cross were selected and the seeds grown in 50 x 35cm planter flats. Seedlings were then transplanted individually to diameter pots after 5 weeks. 175 clones were randomly selected for inclusion in the next year and the process repeated consecutively for four generations, with each generation being selected for desired traits -skin color, tuber shape, maturity, eye depth, specific gravity, and size and shape uniformity. Tuber inter-generation correlation, of examined traits, were positive and significant (P<0.01) except for specific gravity which differed due to environmental factors. The percentage distribution of vine maturity revealed that only 6.2% of the late maturity clones would be lost if the entire high vigor class of the first generation was eliminated. Eye depth and round tuber shape are priority traits for selection followed by specific gravity and color chip as described in the study.

Early Generation Selection in Different Locations in Potato Breeding Program

“…While 20% of the genotypes were found to be in the late-maturing group, 9.2% were in the very early-maturing group. Besides, it was concluded 4 that 6.2% of late-maturing genotypes could be lost [12]. There is no problem with the loss of early-maturing plants, however, late-maturing plants can be eliminated due to this feature.…”