1Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal
2Agriculture Information and Training Center, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Harirarbhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal
Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal
*Corresponding author's E-mail: madhavkoirala001@gmail.com
Online published on 17 February, 2022.
Seven popular varieties of potato viz., Kufri Jyoti, Janakdev, Khumal Bikash, Desiree, Rosita, Cardinal and Khumal Upahar were evaluated for resistance to ants; and corresponding yield loss in each variety. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with seven treatments and three replications under the natural infestation condition in ant prone field. The resistance level was assessed on the basis of Tuber Damage Index (TDI) ranging from 0.00 - 1.00. In this study, the TDI value of seven varieties ranged from 0.18 - 0.81; and based on their TDI values, Rosita (0.18) and Khumal Bikash (0.38) were categorized into least damaged (0.18 - 0.39), Desiree (0.42) and Cardinal (0.50) into moderately damaged (0.40 - 0.60) and Janakdev (0.66), Kufri Jyoti (0.72) and Khumal Upahar (0.81) into highly damaged (0.61 - 0.81). The highest yield loss by ants was found in Kufri Jyoti (6.37 t/ha) and the lowest in Rosita (1.41 t/ha). Variety Rosita was found promising against oriental army ant.
Marketable yield, Non-marketable yield, Tuber damage index, Varietal preference, Varietal resistance, Yield loss
