Growth and yield of potato varieties in Cuencas, urdaneta township of Trujillo state, Venezuela

Abstract

Potato production (Solanum tuberosum L.) is part of the culture and way of life of Andean horticulturists. It is a strategic crop for being a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.  Potato has versatile forms of consumption and wide adaptability to different agro-ecological conditions. To evaluate local varieties Montañita and  Sin Nombre from Táchira state, and commercial varieties  Tibisay,  Maria  Bonita, Única peruana, Granola and Maria Reiche, a trial was conducted in Cuencas,  Urdaneta township, Trujillo state, Venezuela;  1,627 meters above sea level, relative humidity  80-90%  and temperature 14-16 °C, with an experimental design in random blocks with 4 replications;  4 rows per 3 m length plots and 10 tubers per row, planted at 0.80 x 0.30 m. The evaluation was performed by methodology proposed  by International  Potato  Center  (CIP). The highest percentages of emergency were found in Única peruana (97.50%), María Reiche (91%) and Tibisay (90%). Sin nombre, María Reiche and Tibisay achieved the greatest heights; while Sin nombre the highest number of stems and tubers. Best yields were achieved in Montañita (19,246.43 kg h^-1) and Única peruana; (17,413.32 kg h^-1) and the lowest yield was obtained by María Bonita variety (10,276.19 kg h^-1). Única peruana and María Reiche produced the highest percentage of potatoes for consumption and were suitable for industrial processing in the production of sticks.  Other varieties can be used for flakes production.