Comparative study on the growth, yield and storability of potato genotypes propagated through apical rooted cuttings

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally significant crop for food security and economic growth. Traditional cultivation using seed tubers poses challenges such as disease transmission, bulky seed material and high storage costs. Apical rooted cuttings (ARCs) have emerged as a promising alternative propagation method, offering potential advantages such as disease-free planting material and reduced seed volume. This study aimed to compare the performance of potato genotypes propagated through ARCs in terms of growth, yield and post-harvest storability. The field experiment, conducted at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, involved eight potato genotypes under Randomized Block Design. Key growth parameters like plant height, shoot number, leaf count and tuber yield were measured. The results revealed that tuber-propagated plants, particularly Kufri Jyoti, exhibited superior growth and yield, while ARC-propagated plants showed reduced performance in most parameters. Storage evaluations highlighted that tuber-propagated plants had lower physiological losses and rotting percentages compared to ARC plants. These findings suggest that while ARCs can be cost-effective, traditional seed tubers remain more efficient for maximizing yield and storability, particularly in certain genotypes. The research provides valuable insights for optimizing potato propagation methods to enhance productivity and reduce costs.