Open Access Research Article

Adaptability of Released Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties at Masha and Chena, South western Ethiopia.

Shamil Alo1* and Dereje Geremew2

1Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2Tepi Agricultural Research Center, Po.Box 34, Tepi, Ethiopia

Corresponding Author

Received Date: February 24, 2021;  Published Date: March 31, 2021

Abstract

Background: Rapidly increasing population pressure, widespread environmental degradation, recurrent drought, low productivity of the agricultural sector and limited market access have greatly contributed to critical food shortages in Ethiopia. These in turn have resulted in food insecurity, which is characterized by inability of the people at all times to have a physical and economic access to sufficient food to meet their dietary needs for a productive and healthy life. Therefore; this study was conducted to test the adaptability of improved potato varieties, identify and select the best high yielding and pest and disease resistant/ tolerant variety/ies for target area.

Methodology: Six released potato varieties were brought from Adet agricultural research center and evaluated during 2016 cropping season at two locations (Masha research site and Chena). Six released potato varieties were used for the experiment. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design replicated three times.

Results: The mean yield was ranged from 286.3 to 398.48 Quintal/ha for Shenkolla and Belete varieties respectively. Based on the recorded parameters Belete variety performed better than other varieties.

Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that, the three varieties, Belete, Gera and Gudene were best performed than other varieties and will be recommended for the surrounding farmers for wider production. Further study should be carried out with improved varieties to improve potato production, especially in southwestern Ethiopia.

Keywords: Potato; Adaptability; Tepi; Southwestern ethiopia

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