Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Adet Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Abebe, T., Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Adet Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Wongchaochant, S., Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Taychasinpitak, T., Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Specific gravity (SG) is the measure of choice for estimating dry matter (DMC) and starch content (SC) and ultimately for determining the processing quality of potato varieties. Evaluation of the SG of 25 potato varieties was carried out at three distinct locations in the Amhara region of Ethiopia with the main objectives of determining their culinary quality and most suitable areas of production. The varieties were planted in a 5 × 5 balanced lattice design of six replications during the 2011 rainy season. The results of the data analysis showed highly significant (P < 0.01) genotypic and location differences and significant (P < 0.05) genotype × environment interactions. The pooled SG values ranged from 1.058 to 1.102. The SG of tubers of the improved variety Belete was the highest while that of Menagesha was the lowest. Furthermore, the SG values for varieties grown at Debretabor were higher than those for the corresponding varieties grown at Adet and Merawi. The DMC and SC were computed based on the SG and showed significant (P < 0.01) genotypic variability. The highest DMC and SC were also obtained at Debretabor; thus, it is an ideal location to grow potatoes for high DMC and starch accumulation. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis identified CIP-392640.524, Zengena, Jalenie and Belete as stable genotypes with SG values above average.