Evaluation yield and qualitative characteristics of some potato (Sulanum tuberosum L.) varieties in the climatic conditions of the Maragheh region

Every year a number of new potato cultivars enter our country. Therefore, the study of widely used potato cultivars is necessary. Accordingly, in this study, the aim is to determine and introduce the best cultivars in terms of yield and quality.

In this experiment 10 common cultivars included Banba, Sante, Red Scarlett, Agria, Sifra, Picasso, Arinda, Invator, Fontane and Challenger, based on RCBD were assesed. The studied traits included tuber fresh and dry weight, tuber yield, tuber diameter, number of tubers, volume weight, stiffness, soluble solids, total antioxidant activity, total phenol content, total carbohydrates, vitamin C, starch, peroxidase, total soluble protein and beta-carotene.

The results displayed that there was a considerable diversity between the genotypes in Maragheh climatic conditions. The highest yield was observed in Cifra cultivar, which in terms of quality traits such as starch, firmness, vitamin C was significantly lower than others with a significant difference, and after Cifra cultivar, the highest yield belonged to Picasso cultivar. Picasso, Challenger and Invator cultivars were superior in quality traits such as starch and dry weight.

The results of the experiment indicated that Picasso, Inverter and Challenger due to starch, dry matter and high total phenol content as well as peroxidase and low carbohydrates are suitable for processing and production of chips. Of course, if the goal and priority of the producers is more yield, the Cifra cultivar is recommended.