Characterization of Potato (Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum) Germplasm Based on Genetic Divergence and Processing Attributes

Abstract

Non-hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis based on principal component scores of yield and processing traits was used for characterization of 108 potato germplasm accessions of world collection under short day (9.75-11.5 h photoperiod) conditions in the North Indian plains. Moderate to high coefficient of variability was observed for tuber yield, average tuber number, average tuber weight, reducing sugars, sucrose, total phenols, free amino acids and chip colour score, which could be harnessed in future improvement programmes. Based on genetic divergence, determined by Euclidean distances, the accessions were classified into six well-characterized clusters with variable number of genotypes. Each cluster has germplasm accessions of heterogeneous origin, suggesting that geographical distribution has no significant bearing on genetic divergence. Inter-cluster distances were higher than the intra-cluster distances, indicating high diversity among clusters. Based on mean performance for processing attributes, six germplasm accessions, namely 316.1 (CP 1798), B 6532-3 (CP 1907), K 85-6 (CP 1940) and K 194-3 (CP 1945) obtained from USA, Tombola (CP 1780) from the Netherlands and Tunika (CP 1806) from Germany are recommended as parents in developing varieties suitable for processing. Adaptability evaluation for yield traits led to the identification of five high yielding accessions, namely, B 4829-7 (CP 1564) from USA and RYB. No. 20089 (CP 1813),62.66/ I (CP 1824), 57.1775.110 (CP 1826) and Giewont (CP 1868) from Germany. The tuber traits of these accessions ranged from round to oblong shape, shallow to low deep eyes, white to yellow skin color and white to yellow cream tuber flesh color. This classification should aid the utilization of potato germpJasm to develop cultivars with specific adaptation features.