Abstract
Participatory varietal selection involves both scientific measurements and farmers evaluations; hence it has emerged as the best method to identify farmers’ preferred crop varieties and their popularization. The experiment was conducted during 2019 cropping season at Dire Xayara and Gurawa districts of Harari People Regional State and Eastern Hararghe zone of Oromia Regional State, respectively. The objective of the study was to identify adaptable, high yielding and diseases and pest tolerant potato varieties based on farmer`s management, and to evaluate and select potato varieties based on farmer’s preference. The treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were consisted of eight potato varieties including standard check. Both agronomic data and farmers preferences toward the varieties were collected and analyzed using Genstat software and matrix ranking respectively. The analysis result showed that there were significant (p<0.05) difference among the varieties in all agronomic parameters except flowering date. Belete Variety gave the highest yield (39.6t/ha) followed by Bubu (29.91t/ha) and Gudanie (28.63t/ha). Matrix ranking of farmers’ preference also showed that Belete and Bubu varieties ranked first and second in both districts. Dagim and Horro varieties were not only the low yielding, but also the least preferred varieties by farmers in the study districts. Farmers also liked Marachere for earliness and Gudanie for marketable yield and vegetative performance. However, they indicated that tuber size of Marachere is very small and Gudanie is susceptible to late blight. Therefore based on the findings, Belete and Bubu varieties could be recommended to potato growers in study area and similar agro ecology for further promotion and the two varieties (Marachere and Gudanie) could be used by potato breeders in their breeding program to exploit their merits.
Highlights
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the important food crops in the world
In Ethiopia, potato has promising prospecting improving the quality of the basic diet in both rural and urban areas [1]
Potato production has been considered as the first priority compared to other food crops because of its contribution to food security, income generation and double cropping and its utilization in different forms [16, 20]
Summary
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the important food crops in the world. It is popularly known as ‘The king of vegetables’, the fourth most important food crop in the world after rice, wheat and maize in terms of human consumption [14]. In Ethiopia, potato has promising prospecting improving the quality of the basic diet in both rural and urban areas [1]. The potential for high yield, early maturity, and excellent food value give the potato great potential for improving food security, increasing household income, and reducing poverty [7] It is a short duration crop that can mature within short period of time. It contains practically all essential dietary constituents like carbohydrates, essential nutrients, protein, vitamins, and minerals [25]. Potato production has been considered as the first priority compared to other food crops because of its contribution to food security, income generation and double cropping and its utilization in different forms [16, 20]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
