Evaluation of potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties for production of chips

A study was carried out during 2001-2003 at Jalandhar, Punjab, to assess the suitability of exotic and recently released Indian processing varieties in north-western plains. Replicated yield trials in spring 2002, spring 2003, autumn 2001-2002 and autumn 2002-2003 were harvested at 90, 105 and 120 days after planting. Besides screening for early-blight (Alternaria solani Ellis & Gibson) and late-blight [Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary] resistance during spring seasons, data were recorded on total yield, processable grade yield, dry matter (%) and chip colour. Varieties 'Kufri Chipsona 1', 'Kufri Chipsona 2', 'Atlantic' and 'Frito Lay 1533' with dry matter >20% and acceptable chip colour were found suitable for processing in both autumn and spring crop seasons. However, cultivar 'Kufri Jyoti' was not suitable for processing. Based on processable grade yield at 120 days harvest, 'Atlantic' (3.66 tonnes/ha), 'Frito Lay 1533' (3.58 tonnes/ha) and 'Kufri Chipsona 1' (3.33 tonnes/ha) were good varieties for autumn crop, whereas 'Atlantic' (1.76 tonnes/ ha) and 'Frito Lay 1533' (1.60 tonnes/ha) were good for spring season. Processable grade yield increased up to 105 days in autumn and up to 120 days in spring crop season. 'Kufri Chipsona V and 'Kufri Chipsona 2' showed high resistance to late blight and early blight diseases, while exotic varieties 'Atlantic' and 'Frito Lay 1533' were highly susceptible to these diseases. Exotic varieties, however, gave higher processable grade yield at early (90 days) harvest.