Genetic Variability Studies in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes in Bale Highlands, South Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Twenty four potato genotypes were planted in randomized complete block design with three replications at Sinana Agricultural Research Center to investigate the nature and magnitude of variability for tuber yield and yield related traits. The mean squares due to genotypes were highly significant (P<0.01) for all the characters studied. High genotypic (51.9, 47.2 and 45.8) and phenotypic (56.7, 55 and 51.2) coefficient of variation were observed for total tuber yield, marketable tuber yield and average tuber weight in order of magnitude. High heritability (85 and 83.9%) coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean (98.1 and 89.7) recorded for total tuber yield and marketable tuber yield respectively. The study revealed that the presence of genotypic variability in tested genotypes indicating higher chance of selecting genotypes with high yield and resistant to late blight.

Keywords:Variability; Heritability; Genetic advance; potato.