GROWTH PERFORMANCE, PARTITION COEFFICIENT AND HARVEST INDEX OF WIDELY GROWN POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) VARIETIES IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Aim of the study: Aim of the study: The main objective is to compare the differences in growth performance, dry matter partitioning coefficients and harvest index of widely grown potato varieties Material and methods: Materials and Methods: The trial was conducted at Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 main cropping season with randomized complete block design with Shenkola, Belete, Gudenie, Guassa, Dagim and Ater Ababa potato varieties. Four different harvesting dates were undertaken (30, 45, 60 and 75 days after planting (DAP). Results and conclusions: Materials and Methods: The trial was conducted at Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 main cropping season with randomized complete block design with Shenkola, Belete, Gudenie, Guassa, Dagim and Ater Ababa potato varieties. Four different harvesting dates were undertaken (30, 45, 60 and 75 days after planting (DAP). Results and conclusion At early stages of development, the highest percent of dry matter accumulation went to vegetative growth, and then to tubers in the successive harvests. The maximum tuber yield, bulking rate and harvest index (36.17 t/ha, 4.23 gplant-1day-1 and 0.8) respectively was recorded from Belete variety. Belete variety can give reasonable yield after 45 DAP. Guassa variety (having a PC of 0.92 at 75 DAP) was able to produce 92% of its yield at 75 DAP and its yield was comparable with the highest yielder (Belete variety). In such areas where erratic rainfall is expected, Guassa and Belete varieties can be used as early variety in potato production systems.