Performance of CIP and Dutch potato varieties under Rwanda climate conditions

Abstract

In attempt to develop new potato varieties with the current market lead traits, nine Dutch potato varieties namely Fabula, Panamela, Sagitta, Challenger, Sifra, Rosi, Memphis, Taurus and Derby, and International Potato Center (CIP) varieties Kinigi and Kirundo were evaluated in three Rwandan sites for two growing seasons in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with tree replications. The data collected consists of plant vigor, late blight incidence and severity, yields and processing qualities. The collected data were submitted to analysis of variance. The results showed that variety, site, season, and all interactions of main variation factors have significant effects on total yields. The average total yields of CIP varieties were extremely high and significantly different compared to tested Dutch varieties. These yields were 34.2 and 30.7 tons ha-1 for Kirundo and Kinigi, respectively. The best performing among tested Dutch varieties were Panamela with 20.2 tons ha-1 , Rosi with 16.4 ton ha-1 , Sagita with 15.8 tons ha-1 , and Taurus with 14.4 tons ha-1. The CIP varieties Kinigi (7.2 score) and Kirundo (7.2 score) revealed a big plant vigour compared to tested Dutch varieties. Among Dutch varieties, Taurus (6.9 score) and Panamela (6.2 score) showed the highest plant vogour. CIP varieties Kinigi and Kirundo, and Dutch varieties Sifra and Taurus revealed the same trends for late blight (less than 30% of plants revealed late blight symptoms. Taurus, Challenger, and panamela revealed the highest dry matter content of 22.4, 21.7, and 20.0%, respectively. This dry matter content is high compared to CIP varieties Kinigi (19.20%), commonly used for French fries and crisps in Rwanda. Dutch varieties Rosi, Challenger and Taurus revealed crisps with yellow color without rolling. Panamela and Kinigi showed crisps with similar characteristics. The results from this study suggested that any private company planning to invest in potato processing for French fries and crisps, the Dutch varieties such as Rosi, Challenger, Taurus and Panamela are good candidates for raw materials.

Supply and demand of processed potato products in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda: variety requirements of processing companies and implications for trait prioritization for breeding

“…Also in Rwanda, the Dutch variety Taurus responds better to the industry's needs compared to the CIP varieties Kinigi and NAROPOT 4/Rwangume. Previous studies reported as well that Taurus is among the best varieties to produce crisps (Rukundo et al 2019). In Uganda, however, both CIP and Dutch varieties are popular among the processing industry, and they respond well to its needs.…”

“…Maingi et al (2015),Kaguongo et al (2014) andRukundo et al (2019) who reported that Dutch Robijn is a low yielding variety susceptible to pests and diseases and that the cultivation of Dutch varieties requires additional inputs including agro-chemicals to achieve higher yields leading to negative implications on the cost of production and lower crop sustainability. The breeders, however, believe that CIP varieties like Gikungu, KACHPOT 1, Kinigi, NAROPOT 4/Rwangume and Shangi meet farmers' needs well due to their tolerance to diseases, high yield, skin/ esh color and high fresh market demand.…”

Performance of tetraploid biofortified potato clones in Rwanda

“…The field trials were conducted in two growing seasons: season B of 2018 starting in February and ending in June and season A of 2019 ranging between August and December. In each growing season, trials were conducted in four sites representing the major potato agriculture regions in Rwanda, namely, Congo Nile watershed divine, Highland of Buberuka, and Highland of Virunga (NISR, 2019; Rukundo, 2019). Trials were established at Nyamagabe and Gakuta RAB research stations located in Congo Nile watershed divine zone, Rwerere RAB research station representing the Buberuka Highland agroecological zone, and Kinigi RAB research station representing the Virunga agroecological zone.…”

Yield performance, adaptability and processing qualities of pre-release potato clones under different Rwandan agro-ecologies

“…Most of current popular potato varieties grown in Rwanda were developed before 1994 genocide that destroyed most of the country research capacity including human resources and infrastructures (Rukundo 2019). These varieties were developed based on the needs of that time; nowadays, the needs have changed.…”