Evaluation of advanced potato hybrid MP/97–644 and processing varieties for yield and chipping quality in north-eastern hills

Field trials were conducted at Shillong during summer season in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate an advanced potato hybrid, MP/97–644 along with three processing varieties viz., Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-3 and Atlantic and one popular table variety, Kufri Jyoti for yield, chipping quality and some important processing attributes. Hybrid MP/97–644 produced maximum tuber yield (194 q/ha), high processing grade tuber yield (98 q/ha), acceptable chip colour (2.2), high tuber dry matter (24.1%), contained permissible level of reducing sugars (38.4 mg/100 g fresh wt) and was moderately resistant to late blight. Conversely, Kufri Jyoti produced lower yield and minimum dry matter content (17.3%) and contained maximum total phenols (107 mg/100 g fresh wt.), which are undesirable processing traits. Based on maximum total yield, higher proportion of processing grade tubers, superior processing traits and resistance to late blight, MP/97–644 was identified as the most suitable hybrid for chipping as well as for table consumption followed by variety Kufri Chipsona-1.