-Potato variety screening for its late blight of potato Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary (original) (raw)

In North Shewa potato production is limited due to a lack of awareness of potato production and lack of improved potato varieties, low yield of potato and potato devastating by late blight. The field experiments were conducted to evaluate the resistance levels of potato varieties against late blight and to evaluate the yield performance of potato varieties. A total of 12 varieties were arranged in randomly complete block design (RCBD) in three replications on a plot of 3 m X 3 m (9 m2) at three research locations during 2018 and 2019 main cropping seasons. Disease severities, disease progress curves, disease progress rate, and tuber yield were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by potato varieties, locations and cropping seasons. On average both cropping seasons, the varieties Menagesha, Ararsa, Chala, and Wechecha were susceptible while Gera, Gudenie, Belete, Chekole, and Netib5 were moderately resistant to late blight of potato at each research site although there are some variations. Therefore, farmers at Debre Berhan are recommended to use Gudenie, Belete, Gera, and Netib5 varieties while at Tengego, Gudenie, Belete, Chekole, and Jalenie are recommendable. At Megezez the varieties of Gera, Netib5, Belete and Chekole are recommended.