Evaluation of potato varieties for yield attributes in Chencha, Ethiopia

Five potato varieties (Gudenie, Degemegn, Belete, along with two local varieties named Father and Susalluh) during the autumn season and seven potato varieties (Jalene and Tolcha, in addition to varieties used in autumn) during the winter season were evaluated under rain fed conditions, to evaluate yield potential in Chencha district Gamo-Gofa zone Ethiopia, with experiment laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (four blocks, three repeats). Statistical results revealed significant differences among the treatments (varieties) in the entire yield traits during the winter season whereias, tuber number per plant and unmarketable yield were statistically significant among the varieties during the autumn cropping season. Highest number of tubers per plant was recorded in Local-1 variety in both the cropping seasons. Unlike autumn season, in the winter cropping season, the highest marketable yield (33.17 t ha⁻¹) was recorded in Local-2 (Susallu) variety, while, lowest marketable yield (12.10 t ha⁻¹) was recorded in Local-1 variety. Highest unmarketable yield was recorded in Local 1 variety. Total yield of tubers ranged from 21.98 t ha⁻¹ (in Local-1) to 13.56 t ha⁻¹ (in Degemegn) in autumn season and 36.64 t ha⁻¹ (in Local -1) to 20.63 t ha⁻¹ (in Tolcha) during the winter cropping season. The study evidently demonstrated effect of varieties on yield attributes of potato. Growth performance of Irish potato varieties brought from Holeta Research Center was promising, though, yield attribute was found to be superior in Susalllu (Local-2) variety.