Growth, Yield Components and Tuber Yield Responses of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties in High Altitude Regions of Türkiye

Abstract

Potato is one of Türkiye’s strategic crops regarding food and economic benefits. However, the need for well-adapted and productive varieties is a production problem for the country. Therefore, evaluating such varieties with high yield potential and suitable for local environmental conditions is essential. Thus, this study was conducted to select potato varieties with good agronomic characteristics suitable for high-altitude regions such as Erzurum province in 2022. In the study, 12 potato varieties, seven local (Bahar, Kaya, Kafkas, Petek, Taş, Ayaz, Deniz) and five fixed (Pomqueen, Alegria, Marabel, Agria, and Marfona) were used as plant material. It was established according to the "Randomized Blocks" experimental design with three replications. The study's results revealed that the cultivars significantly affected all the variables. The highest plant height was recorded in the Pomqueen (89.6 cm) and Kaya (85.5 cm) varieties, while Kaya had the highest number of stems per hill (6.1 pieces). Concerning yield and yield components, the highest number of tubers per hill was recorded in Ayaz (17.5 pieces), while the highest tuber yield per hill and total tuber yield were recorded in Petek (1287.1 g and 5251.5 kg da-1). This variety was followed by standard Alegria (4497.5 kg da-1) and local Kaya (4441.0 kg da-1) varieties in total tuber yield. Therefore, considering the yield potential, especially local Petek and Kaya and standard varieties Alegria and Marabel were promising and recommended to growers in regions with high altitudes and similar agroecology.