Agronomic and Postharvest Characters of Pink and Violet-skinned Potato Entries for Organic Production in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Abstract

The study was conducted at the experimental area of Benguet State University, Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet from January to May 2011 to: evaluate the potato entries for organic production; determine the best performing potato entries in terms of yield, resistance to pest and diseases; and determine the profitability of growing the organic potato entries for organic production. Among the potato entries under organic production, Gukungu, 676008 and Tubira had the highest percentage of survival. All entries were observed to be highly vigorous at 30 to 60 DAP. Gukungu had the tallest plants. Canopy cover was comparable among the potato entries at 45 and 75 DAP. At 30 to 75 DAP Gukungu had the widest canopy. In terms of leaf miner incidence, all entries were highly resistant at 30 to 45 DAP. There was no late blight occurrence observed. Gukungu produced the highest number and heaviest weight of marketable tubers. Gukungu, 676008 and Tubira were noted to have pink skin while Santa Ana had violet tubers. Entry 676008 and Montañosa had smooth skin type while the other entries were rough. In terms of flesh color, Gukungu and 676008 had yellow-cream while the other entries had white. In terms on return cash expense, all entries obtained positive ROCE.