Performance of potato varieties raised from true potato seed in Jos Plateau, Nigeria

Abstract

Seedlings of true potato seeds from seven cultivars (RC 767-2, Br. 63-18, Kondor, VC 785-2 Raslin Ruaka, VC 801-4 and CIP 387705-18), and seed tubers from Nicola variety were evaluated for tuber yield and resistance to pests and diseases at Kuru, Jos Plateau. The trials were carried out in the 1997 and 1998 rainy seasons. The result showed that average seed germination was 81.1% for the TPS genotypes, with CIP 387705-18, Kondor and RC 767-2 performing best in decreasing order. Field establishment was 96.4% for Nicola, 85.3% for Br. 63-18 and 51.4% for VC 785-2. Diseases and pests attacks were low in all the potato genotypes, but for Kondor with high bacterial wilt. Tuber yield and % ware tubers were higher in Nicola than in other TPS genotypes. Tuber yield of RC 767-2 and % ware tubers were better than in other genotypes established from true potato seed. Nicola had 100% uniformity in tuber shape and skin colour. Only RC 767-2 and CIP 387705-18 had 100% uniformity in skin colour. The study showed that it is possible to produce healthy seed tubers from true potato seed under Jos Plateau, Nigeria conditions. Among the TPS genotypes studied CIP 387705-18 and RC 767-2 are recommended because of their uniformity in skin colour, low disease and pest attacks, high tuber yield with high percentage of large size tubers.



[Niger Agric. J. 33 (2002): 60-67]