Development of a Potato Variety Derived from Local Crosses for Off-Season Irrigated Production in Ethiopia

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a key food and cash crop in Ethiopia, and its production in the off-season under irrigation conditions is rapidly expanding. However, all nationally released potato varieties have been developed primarily for rainfed production systems, resulting in poor adaptation and low productivity in off-season under irrigation. This study aimed to develop and identify a high-yielding, stable, and widely adapted potato variety for off-season potato production under irrigation using locally developed crosses. A total of 1,700 genotypes derived from local crosses were progressively evaluated and selected in the off-season production under irrigation. Nine elite genotypes, along with three check varieties, were evaluated across six mid-highland environments in 2022 and 2023 off-season periods using an irrigation supplement. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Data on phenology, agronomic traits, tuber yield, and quality parameters were taken and analyzed using combined ANOVA and GGE biplot methods. Significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interactions were observed for most yield and quality traits, indicating substantial genetic variability and strong genotype × environment interaction. Genotype AD5016170.6 consistently outperformed all checks, recording the highest tuber yield (34.21 t ha⁻¹), along with superior dry matter, starch content, and specific gravity. GGE biplot analysis and stability indices further confirmed AD5016170.6 as the most stable and broadly adapted genotype across environments in the off-season under irrigation. This candidate genotype exhibited yield advantages of 37–77% over check varieties. The study demonstrates that irrigation-specific breeding for off-season production using local crosses can substantially enhance potato productivity. Genotype AD5016170.6 was recommended for national variety verification and officially released on 11 May 2026, for off-season potato production under irrigation conditions in Ethiopia. The variety, locally named Mesno-1, was the first potato variety developed through crossing and selection specifically for off-season potato production under irrigation in Ethiopia.