SELECTION OF PROCESSING POTATO VARIETIES THROUGH MULTI-LOCATION TRIALS

Thirteen exotic potato varieties along with four checks were evaluated at six agro-ecological locations of Bangladesh for three generations during 2015-16 to 2017-18 in order to identify table purpose and processing quality varieties. Results indicated significant variation among the varieties. Based on the results of the 1st year multi-location trial, seven superior ones were selected for further testing in AYT and RYT in next two years. In the SYT, varieties Farida and 7four7 were the highest yielders. In the AYT, the highest average yield over location was also produced by 7four7 (38.70 t/ha). Varieties Cimega and Memphis also gave comparable yields to that of 7four7 (37.33 and 36.67 t/ha, respectively). Considering the yield of the three generations, the above four varieties were significantly better than the checks. Considering the specific qualities, Farida was found most suitable for table purpose because of its high yield, medium-sized oval and smooth tubers with good eating quality. The variety Taisiya produced tubers with good size and shape, but low in dry matter content; so not suitable for processing. Memphis might be selected for French fry as it produces maximum large sized tubers with good long oval shape. On the other hand, variety Panamera is a high yielder but its plant type was undesirable. On the whole, varieties Cimega, 7four7 and Farida are suitable for table purpose, and Memphis may be selected for French fry under Bangladesh condition. None was found quite suitable for Chips preparation.