POST-HARVEST LOSSES OF POTATO GENOTYPES AT FARMERS’ STORAGE CONDITIONS

Abstract

Potato is one of the major crops of Nepal and postharvest loss is one of the major problems in the potato value chain system. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of assessing post-harvest losses of potato under farmers’ storage conditions. Potato tubers of six potato genotypes (three released varieties viz. ‘Jankdev’, ‘Khumal Upahar’ and ‘Khumal Vikash’ and three pipeline genotypes viz. ‘CIP 393073.179’, ‘CIP 395112.32’ and ‘Techno 304351.109’) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications under four different farmers’ storage conditions at Panauti-8, Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal from May to August 2019. The tubers were cured after harvesting for two weeks in a shade, thereafter they were stored for 80 days. Data were recorded on 20, 40, 60, and 80 days of storage. The results showed that at 80 days of storage, the lowest weight loss (5.51%) was found in Techno 304151.109 followed by CIP 393073.179 (6.68%). Potato tuber moth infestation was minimum in CIP 393073.179 (1.15) followed by Techno 304151.109 (1.25). The days to sprouting was the highest in CIP 393073.179 (69.25) followed by Techno 304151.109 (68.75). No shrinkage was observed in CIP 393073.179 and Techno 304151.109 till 60 days of storage. Loss due to rotting was not observed in these genotypes. Therefore potato genotypes CIP 393073.179 and Techno 304351.109 were promising for their storability in farm conditions; which can be recommended for commercial production in the mid-hill environment of Nepal.