Abstract

OJEDA, Maritza et al. Horticultural evaluation, production, and postharvest quality of advanced potato clones in Duaca, Lara State, Venezuela. Bioagro [online]. 2010, vol.22, n.1, pp.17-28. ISSN 1316-3361.

Potato production is limited in Venezuela by a low genetic diversity adaptable to different environments. The aim of this research was to evaluate thirteen clones, selected from a potato family population of CIP, resistant to late blight, and the cultivars ‘Andinita’, ‘Caribay’, and ‘Atlantic (controls) in Duaca locality, Lara State, Venezuela, at 729 m above sea level. ‘Atlantic’ showed the best emergence followed by 392634-21 and 393194-1, all with values above 90 %. There were differences among the materials for the number of main stems, total aerial dry mass, and leaf area index. Differences were found among materials for the relative chlorophyll content, and this variable showed to be a good tool for evaluating leaf maturation and senescence before harvest. ‘Atlantic’, ‘Andinita’ and the clones 393193-16, 392634-21.1 and 393194-1 showed the highest production, as well as commercial tubers in the class size higher than 80 g. The clon 392636-4 produced the highest proportion of tubers with 25-80 g, indicating its potential as seed-tuber material. There were differences for the physical (polar and equatorial diameters, dry matter, and specific gravity) and chemical tuber quality variables (TSS, titratable acidity, pH, starch, and reducing sugars). ‘Caribay’, 393194-1 and 393193-16 showed the best values of starch, although most of the materials accumulated similar values of starch to others found at higher altitude lands of Lara State. For Duaca locality, ‘Andinita’, 393193-16, 392634-21.1 and 393194-1 showed their potential for marketable production along with ‘Atlantic’, and the clon 392636-4 for seed-tuber production purposes.

Keywords : Solanum tuberosum L; vegetative growth; tubers, starch.