Phenotypic and biochemical diversity in andigena potatoes

Four hundred sixteen Andigena genotypes collected from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Peru were evaluated for their phenotypic and biochemical diversity. Both intra- and inter-genotypic variability occurred in shoot number, shoot height, node number, internode length, leaf breadth, length and index, tuber number, weight and yield, specific gravity, drymatter content, vitamin C, protein, phenols, total sugars and reducing sugars. In an the traits, intergenotypic variability exceeded the intra-genotyplc variability. Colombian genotypes exhibited highest mean value and very high genetic variability for the tuber yield and its components viz. tuber number, weight and drymatter, content. Hence, these represents a valuable source of germplasm for potato breeding.