Determining Adaptability of Potato Genotypes in Mount Elgon Region of Uganda

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Uganda is mainly produced in the highland areas of Kabale and Kisoro in south western and Bugisu and Sebei areas on the slopes of Mt. Elgon in the eastern part of the country. However, the yields have continuously reduced due to lack of suitable high yielding and disease resistant varieties. The purpose of this study was to identify high yielding disease resistant potato genotypes adapted to Mt. Elgon region. Eight CIP potato clones were evaluated alongside ten commonly grown Ugandan varieties in RCBD for two seasons at Buginyanya station, Bulambuli District. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in tuber size, tuber uniformity, marketable tuber yield and the total tuber yield among genotypes. Potato clones 392797.22 and 398208.29 produced significantly (P<0.001) higher tuber yield 44.8 t/ha and 39 t/ha respectively compared to the local check Cruza with 34.5 t/ha. rAUDPC for LB showed significant differences (P<0.001) among genotypes in both seasons. The most resistant genotypes were Kinigi and clone 399985.39 with rAUDPC of 0.0135 and 0.025 respectively whereas Bumbamagara (0.413) and 396036.201 (0.392) were the most susceptible. 396036.201(0.051) and Kinigi were the most resistant genotypes for bacterial wilt while Shangi (0.66) and Cruza (0.46) were the most susceptible to BW. Generally, genotypes 392797.22 and 398208.29 were the highest yielding and disease resistant hence recommended for release as commercial varieties.