The selection of advanced potato clones for their culinary characteristics as table potato is a major research activity in the breeding and selection programme at the Food and Agricultural and Extension Institute. The objective of this study was to assess the sensory quality of six advanced potato clones and Spunta variety using boiling as a cooking method. Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) was applied to develop sensory profiles. A trained sensory panel of 7 assessors identified 16 descriptors comprising of 3 appearance, 5 texture, 4 aroma, 3 flavour and 1 taste characteristics. Sensory data showed that all potato clones obtained significantly higher mean ratings for white colour but significantly lower values for yellow colour compared to Spunta (P ≤ 0.05). These results were consistent with the instrumental CIE b* measurements for yellowness. Mean sensory ratings for most texture descriptors (compressibility, stickiness and dryness) were not significantly different between clone 29/5/16 and Spunta (P ≥ 0.05). On the other hand, Spunta obtained a significantly higher mean boiled potato aroma rating than all clones (P ≤ 0.05) while the mean sensory ratings for potato–like flavour of 29/5/14, 29/5/16 and 142/16 1/5 were not significantly different from the corresponding values for Spunta (P ≥ 0.05). Texture and flavour profiles indicated suitability of potato clone 29/5/16 and Spunta for the development of boiled potato products.
A field experiment was conducted to identify the most limiting nutrients for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Shillong, NEH Region, Meghalaya, India, during 2019-20. The experiment was replicated three times using a factorial randomized complete block design. The study included five nutrient treatments viz., control (-NPK), omission of nitrogen (-N), phosphorus (-P), and potassium (-K), recommended NPK (+NPK) and two potato varieties viz., K. Girdhari and K. Megha. Results showed that the average potato yield for the nutrient omission treatments were -K (12.67 t ha-1), -P (10.81 t ha-1), -N (7.85 t ha-1), and -NPK (3.53 t ha-1). The recommended NPK treatment resulted in the highest production (16.46 t ha-1) with a net return of ``160559 ha-1 and a B:C ratio of 1.95, indicating its superiority in terms of profitability and sustainability. The agronomic efficiency of nitrogen (AEN), phosphorus (AEP) and potassium (AEK) ranged from 52.17~92.32, 35.97~107.71 and 71.94~215.41 kg yield increase per kg of nutrient applied, respectively. Similarly, the partial factor productivity for nitrogen (PFPN), phosphorus (PFPP), and potassium (PFPK) under the fully fertilized treatment was 117.54, 137.14, and 274.27 kg yield per kg of nutrient input, respectively.
Kufri Ratan is a medium-maturing, high-yielding table potato variety recommended for cultivation in the North Indian plains and plateau regions during the main growing season. It is a clonal selection derived from a cross between CP3391 and Kufri Sutlej. The plants are medium-tall and vigorous, exhibiting field resistance to late blight. This variety produces aesthetically appealing red coloured, ovoid tubers with shallow to medium eyes, yellow flesh, and a mealy texture. It contains approximately 18% tuber dry matter content and demonstrates excellent storage quality. Kufri Ratan is responsive to crop nutrition and is capable of yielding 36–38 t/ha in the North Indian plains and 20–22 t/ha in plateau regions.
Potato accounts for 10.85 per cent of the Himachal’s total (17.22 lakh MT) vegetable output, which is the highest among all vegetables. In terms of area and output of potato, the state’s third-ranked district is Sirmaur, and the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur is notable for its high-quality potato production. Therefore, in the light of vital importance of potato in the Sirmaur’s agrarian economy, this study reports the economic analysis of potato cultivation in Trans-Giri region which was done based on primary survey of 60 farmers grouped into small and large farmers of Sirmaur district during 2022-23. The total variable cost, total cost and net farm income on overall farm came to be Rs. 17,6368/hectare, Rs. 21,4929/hectare and Rs. 17,1618/hectare, respectively. Hired labour and potato seed made up the majority of the expenses which was around 52 per cent of total variable costs. Potato production seemed profitable with an output-input ratio of 1.80. To increase the production and profitability of potato crop, farmers must rationalize the use of inputs in accordance with package of practices.
Potato cyst nematodes (Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis), are major pests that significantly reduce potato yields worldwide. Developing potato varieties resistant to cyst nematodes is essential to sustain potato production worldwide especially in temperate areas. In this study, we did molecular characterization of 85 potato accessions using linked markers/genes to PCN resistance. We used three QTLs/gene-linked markers for each species: G. rostochiensis (H1, GroVI, and Grp1) and G. pallida (Gpa2, Gpa5, GpaIVSadg). The screening results revealed diverse resistance levels among the accessions based on presence and absence of the marker bands. For G. pallida, 22 accessions carried both Gpa2-1 and Gpa2-2 markers, while only three showed the presence of SPUD1636 marker associated with Gpa5. Most accessions, except one, tested positive for the Contig237 marker linked to GpaIVSadg. Likewise, for G. rostochiensis, 21 accessions had the H1 gene marker TG689, while 14 showed the presence of 57R marker. The GroVI markers U14 and X02 were found in 33 and 57 accessions, respectively, and the Grp1 marker TG432 was present in 12 accessions only. Notably, two accessions, CP4052 and CP4057, exhibited seven resistance markers, making them prime candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing durable PCN resistant potato varieties. The use of molecular markers improves the efficiency of selecting resistant plants and is more cost-effective and quicker than traditional methods. This approach helps in early identification of parental lines with multiple resistance genes, aiding in gene stacking and enhancing the overall breeding process for PCN-resistant potatoes.
Crop biofortification has emerged as a powerful tool to combat micronutrient malnutrition. It is vital to address the issue of hidden hunger in light of the expanding global population. Across the world, biofortification is a workable, economical, and sustainable way to meet the nutritional needs of the weaker segments of society. Malnutrition, specifically hidden hunger, is an international phenomenon. Individuals with mineral deficits who are unable to afford a diversified diet or dietary supplements may benefit from biofortified variants. To satisfy the nutritional requirements, an integrated approach incorporating breeding, biotechnology, and agronomy would be implemented. Unlike dietary diversification, nutritional supplementation, and fortification, biofortification requires a one-time investment for the development of biofortified varieties, with recurring costs comparable to those of any crop variety now in use. The potato crop responds well to agronomic techniques, but maximising the benefits of these techniques requires knowledge and understanding. Potato biofortification can also be facilitated by knowledge of the genetic basis of the micronutrient concentrations in potato tubers. Potato germplasm has a broad range of genetic variability for mineral concentration, which can be used in crop breeding to create potato cultivars that are high in nutrients. Though conventional breeding takes a lot of time, more precise breeding strategies can be designed to improve the nutritional components of potatoes with the use of the latest tools like DNA free gene editing.
Contract farming has become an essential institution for modern value chains but with controversies. Hence, the present study sought to understand whether contract farming is a boon or a bane for farmers. To unravel this, 120 farmers were sampled from the Moga district of Punjab state, India. The data was subjected to inferential analysis, profitability analysis, and qualitative discussion. It was found that areas under potato cultivation, potato farming experience, and having a secondary school education positively affect farmers’ decision to participate in contract farming. The profitability estimates revealed that potato cultivation under no contract is more profitable than cultivation under a contract. Likewise, the impact assessment revealed that contract farming negatively affects farmer’s gross returns. The qualitative discussion revealed myriad terms and conditions followed by the potato farmers under contract, including pre-price fixation, written contract, farm size requirement, quality and quantity requirement, input supply, no credit, farm visits, and cheque payment. Therefore, compensation in the event of crop failures, the provision of crop insurance, credit facilities, and advance payments needs immediate attention from policymakers.
The present study was carried out during the year 2024-25 in Uttar Pradesh to know the training needs of the potato growers their preference time, duration, place of training and training of methodology, for this study the data was collected from 192 Potato growers through personal interview schedule. After analyses of data, it was found that agronomical training needs shows higher priorities of improved varieties reported by 59.37% respondents, with mean score of 2.51, after this fertilizer based on soil testing recommendation needs reported by 47.91% of the respondents with mean score of 2.40 and regarding needs of Potato processing reported by 33.85% respondents with mean score of 2.18. These needs were place Ist, IInd and IIIrd respectively. Regarding time of training 46.35% respondents preferred one to two weeks before cropping season start, 64.58% respondents preferred one to three days training, 44.27%, respondents preferred place of training at village level and 47.92% respondents preferred lecture cum demonstration cum tour programme training methodology.
The present study investigated the genetic diversity and yield performance traits in 332 potato accessions evaluated in 2020 and 366 accessions in 2021 at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Modipuram. An augmented design, was used to assess the marketable tuber yield (MTY), non-marketable tuber yield (NMTY), total tuber yield (TTY), specific gravity (SG), and plant maturity (PM). Significant genetic variation was observed, with heritability values exceeding 90% for key traits like TTY and MTY. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified marketable and total tuber yield as primary contributors to variability, which explained 63.2% of the total variance. The formation of four distinct clusters (red, blue, green, and black) in the present investigation highlights the presence of subgroups with shared traits. Hierarchical clustering highlighted the potential of combining the yield related traits of Tuberosum accessions, the genetic diversity of Andigena accessions (Solanum tuberosum Andigena group), and the regional adaptability of Indian varieties to develop superior potato cultivars with improved yield. Key accessions, including JEX/A-459 and Kufri Pushkar, exhibited superior yield performance, which can be a promising candidate for breeding programs.
West Bengal generally sells around 40 percent of its total potato production to the other states. It is important to identify the potato cultivation and storage constraints which decrease the potato yield as well as increase the post-harvest losses for improving potato productivity in West Bengal. In view of this, a survey was conducted in the state to assess the knowledge of farmers for identifying the most serious constraints associated with potato storage and cultivation. The survey was carried out during 2024 in 16 blocks of 4 selected potato producing districts of West Bengal to find out the present status of potato storage and cultivation. Focus group discussion and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from potato farmers from each block. The most effective constraints in potato storage and cultivation with risk priority number (RPN) and risk assessment matrix of potato crop failure have been identified. For reduction of the constraints to increase potato productivity in West Bengal, breeding programs, crop protection strategies and other relevant measures need to be properly implemented.
The research experiments were conducted at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during the early (2022) and main (2022-23) crop season to evaluate 50 potato (Solanum tuberosum) germplasm for tuber yield components in the North-central plains of India. On the pooled basis, the highest germination (%) was recorded for 12 genotypes namely, CP1454, CP1631, CP1651, CP3252, CP3334, CP3355, CP3414, CP3464, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Garima and Kufri Ganga. The best performance for plant vigour was observed in Kufri Lima (4.3) followed by Kufri Mohan (4), Kufri Arun (3.9), Kufri Bahar, Kufri Garima, Kufri Surya and CP3085 (3.8). Early maturity was observed in CP3469 (3.75) followed by the genotypes namely, CP3469, CP1454, CP1471, CP3255, CP1651, CP2094, CP3266, CP3048, CP3050, CP3326, CP1648, CP3361, CP3252, CP3288, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Surya, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Neelkanth (3.5). The highest marketable tuber numbers/plant were recorded for CP3353 (7) followed by CP3469, CP1651 and Kufri Sinduri (6). The highest total tuber number/plant was found in CP3353 (13) followed by CP3469, Kufri Sinduri, CP3385, CP3464 and Kufri Lalit (9), Kufri Ganga and CP1651 (8), Kufri Pukhraj, Kufri Lima, Kufri Garima, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Arun and CP3361 (7). The genotype Kufri Lima (310.8g) produced highest marketable yield/plant followed by Kufri Mohan (306g), Kufri Ganga (302g), Kufri Garima (294g), CP3294 (293g) and CP3413 (290g), Kufri Lalit (274g), CP3326, CP3469 (268g), Kufri Pukhraj (257g). The genotype like Kufri Mohan (360g) produced highest total tuber yield/ plant followed by Kufri Arun (358g), Kufri Lima (352g), Kufri Ganga (344g), Kufri Garima (336g), Kufri Lalit (323g), CP3413 (308g), Kufri Pukhraj (307g) and CP3294 (304g), CP3469 (288g) and CP3326 (277g). Overall, four genotypes CP3294, CP3469, CP3353 and Kufri Mohan were found promising genotypes in terms of germination, marketable tuber number/plant, total tuber yield/plant and total tuber numbers /plant.
Kufri Bhaskar is a heat tolerant table potato variety suitable for early planting in Northern plains and for main season planting in Central plains. It is a cross of Kufri Khyati and Kufri Surya. Its plants are tall and vigorous with tolerance to mite and hopperburn. It produces attractive white-cream, ovoid tubers with shallow eyes and cream flesh, possesses 20% tuber dry matter and very good keeping quality. Kufri Bhaskar was trialed across the major growing regions of India along with popular heat tolerant check varieties Kufri Surya and Kufri Kiran. Kufri Bhaskar has ability to produce up to 11% higher tuber yield than heat tolerant variety Kufri Kiran and 17% over popular variety Kufri Surya across potato growing regions of country.
Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the integrated nutrient management on growth,yield and quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Continuous application of chemical fertilizers causes nutritionalimbalance and adverse effects on the physico-chemical and biological characters of soil. Thus, an integrated nutrientsupply by chemical fertilizer along with organic manures is given importance, especially in heavy feeder crops likepotato. The experiment was conducted at PG Research Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, CenturionUniversity of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha during rabi season of 2023-24 under the sandyclay loam soil with an altitude of 90 m above the mean sea level. The experiment was laid out in randomized completeblock design (RCBD) with three replications and eight treatments: 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN)(T1), 90% RDN + 10% N through farm yard manure (FYM) (T2), 90% RDN + 10% N through vermicompost (T3), 80% RDN+ 20% N through FYM (T4), 80% RDN + 20% through vermicompost (T5), 70% RDN + 30% through FYM (T6), 70% RDN+ 30% through vermicompost (T7) and control (without any chemical fertilizer or organics) (T8). The application of 100%RDN resulted in a significant increment till harvest in terms of growth parameters over the control. A significant increasein total tuber yield (239.1%), starch content (8.7%), carbohydrate content (15.8%), net return (17.26 times) was also observedunder 100% RDN when compared to no chemical or organics application. Treatments integrating 90% RDN with organicamendments such as farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost closely matched the performance of 100% RDN. Thestudy advocates for a balanced use of chemical and organic fertilizers, emphasizing the importance of optimizing nutrientmanagement to achieve sustainable agricultural practices that ensure high productivity, quality and economic profitability.
An optimized regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol based on internode explantswas developed in potato cultivar ‘Kufri Chandramukhi’. Potato internodes were transformed by cocultivation with A.tumefaciens strain EHA 105 harboring vector pRI101. MS medium with IAA 0.042mg L-1 + GA3 3.0 mg L-1 + Zeatin 3.0 mgL-1 showed the maximum percentage of callus formation i.e. 76% with average number of shoots per explants was 7.00.This medium showed mimimal number of days for callus initiation as compared to other medium compositions The bestcombination for shoot regeneration was a medium of Murashige & Skoog salts with 0.042 mg L-1 IAA, 3.0 mg L-1 GA3, 3.0mg L-1 Zeatin and 0.008 mg L-1 NAA. Use of 50 mg L-1 Kanamycin, 250 mg L-1 Carbenicillin and 100 mg L-1 Cefotaxime inthe callus induction medium minimized contamination. This method is useful for genetic transformation studies in KCM.
This research encompassed a bibliometric analysis aimed at assessing the advancement of studies concerningthe technological impact on potato farmers’ income. The analysis employed Dimensions.ai data and involved queryingkeywords such as "Impact” and "Technology" and "Income" and "Potato" "Farmer" from 1974 to 2023, yielding 1329 pertinentdocuments in CSV format. To comprehend the intellectual framework, VOS viewer software (version 1.6.19) was utilized tovisualize and analyze the collected data. The results unveiled the pre-eminence of human society in publications concerningthe effects of technology on farmers’ income, with 578 papers. Among these articles, a majority (613) were aligned withSustainable Development Goal 2, focused on zero hunger. Investigation into co-authorship among countries highlightedthe United States as a prominent and active contributor to present research, with other nations forming clusters around it.In terms of organizational citations, Wageningen University and Research, International Maize and Wheat ImprovementCenter and International Food Policy Research Institute as the leading entities, underscoring their substantial influence inthe field. Notably, the "Agricultural Systems" and “Agricultural Economics” journals emerged as a prominent source forpresent research. The study advocates for collaborative research efforts to effectively investigate the technological impactof farmers’ income, emphasizing the importance of cooperation over isolated endeavours.
Potato is one of the most important crops grown worldwide. Current research was performed to identify theinfluences of various types of nano-fertilizers, biofertilizer and bulk fertilizers on tuber yield and some other traits of theSprit potato variety. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates with six nutritionaltreating; control, NPK in bulk form, MOG biofertilizer, nano-calcium, nano-zinc plus nano boron and complete nanofertilizerand various twelve traits of potato were measured. They were number of leaves (NL), number day to initiation oftuberization (DIT), days to row closure (DRC), days to flowering (DF), number of tubers per plant (NTP), number of stems(NS), tuber yield (TY), mean tuber diameter (MTD), mean tuber weight (MTW), tuber weight per plant (TWP), dry mattercontent (DM) and starch total (ST). The factor analysis indicated that the first two factors, accounted 92% of variabilityand revealed that MOG biofertilizer was related to days to row closure and mean tuber diameter, while NPK producedthe high numbers of stems. Also, no fertilizer usage (control) caused delay to initiation of tuberization, while completenano-fertilizer had the higher amounts of the other traits like tuber yield. For obtaining the more number of leaves perplant, using complete nano-fertilizer following to nano-zinc plus nano boron is advise while for more numbers of tubersper plant, application of all tested nano-fertilizers is useful. The nano-fertilizers have beneficial ability in comparison tobulk-form and biologic fertilizers, thus nano-fertilizers especially the complete nano-fertilizer should be used to minimizethe harmful influences of nutrient shortage and reaching targets of sustainable and low-input agricultural systems inproduction of potato under semi-arid environments.
Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally significant crop, valued for its high nutritional content,adaptability, and contribution to food security. This study explores its role in addressing global challenges such asmalnutrition, poverty, and climate change. Despite its importance, knowledge gaps persist regarding its full nutritionalpotential, bioavailability of nutrients, and sustainable production practices. By employing a multidisciplinary approach,this research evaluates the potato’s nutritional value, its potential to combat micronutrient deficiencies, and strategiesfor enhancing productivity under changing environmental conditions. Key findings highlight the potato’s pivotal role inimproving diet quality, supporting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agriculture. However, challenges such as pestsusceptibility, production variability, and cultural barriers to dietary integration remain. Addressing these limitationsthrough improved breeding, biofortification, and targeted education campaigns can further optimize the potato’s impact.This article reviews the agronomical aspects of the Irish potato and its taxonomy nomenclature. Together, these findingshighlight the importance of potatoes in providing food security to the international community, alongside the global fightagainst malnutrition. The aim of this study is to underscore the need for renewed focus on the Irish potato as a tool forglobal food security and sustainable development, offering a foundation for future research and policy innovation.
Mulching is essential for sustainable horticulture practices in this region as it helps reduce soil moisture loss,regulate soil temperature and minimize erosion. Examining different types of mulch in this specific climate can aid indeveloping adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability and enhance horticultural resilience. Inthe experiment, two factors were considered: five types of mulching materials—maize straw, polythene (25 microns), wovenmulch, and silver mulch—and two fertilizer levels—75 % and 100 % of the RDF (120:100:100 NPK kg/ha). The experimentwas conducted under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato at JNKVV, Chhindwara. Results revealed that allmulched treatments significantly outperformed the control (without mulch). The highest yield was recorded with polythenesheet mulch (31.73 t/ha), followed by maize straw mulch (30.13 t/ha). Maize straw mulch provided an additional yield of10.24 t/ha over the control. Among fertilizer levels, 100% RDF (120:100:100 kg/ha NPK) produced the highest yield (31.73t/ha). The combined effect of mulch and fertilizer showed that the highest yield (30.93 t/ha) was obtained in the F2M2treatment (100% RDF with polythene mulch), whereas the lowest yield (18.73 t/ha) was recorded in the F1M0 treatment(75% RDF without mulch). These results highlight the importance of mulching and optimized fertilization in enhancingpotato yield in the central plains of India.
Gamma irradiation has been used over time to alter tuber’s colour, which affects the sensory properties ofpotato products, but few studies have focused on explaining these effects. This study therefore investigated the effectsof gamma irradiation on colour and sensory characteristics of French fries made from improved tubers (IP1, IP2, and IP3)irradiated at 15, 30, and 20 Gy, respectively, at a dose rate of 2Gy/minute relative to their parent tubers. From the results,gamma irradiation had varied effects on the colour parameters of tubers, with a significant (p<0.05) reduction recorded forthe skin and flesh lightness of IP1 relative to the parent tuber post-irradiation. Similarly, an increase in flesh yellownessof the tubers was noted for IP2 and IP3, after irradiation. A significant (p<0.05) increase in all sensory parameters of Frenchfries made from IP1, IP2 and IP3 relative to their parents was also noted, indicating that irradiation had a net positive effecton the sensory characteristics. A strong positive correlation was also noted between the texture, flavour, oiliness, and tasteof the French fries, which all contributed to their overall liking. Gamma irradiation can be adopted to produce tubers withbetter colour and sensory attributes.
Late blight, incited by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is the major disease of potato under the classof foliar diseases. Chemical methods are being used for the effective management of late blight. However, this pathogenis more vulnerable against specific mode of chemicals (systemic fungicides), which may develop resistant. The fieldefficacy of translaminar fungicides and their tank mixed application with economics were evaluated in two differentexperiments for managing late blight of potato during three consecutive years. In first experiment it was observed thatdimethomorph 50%WP @ 0.2% showed least average terminal disease severity (14.54%) with highest disease controlled(84.15%) followed by ametoctradin 27% + dimethomorph 20.27% SC @ 0.2% and cymoxanil 8 + mancozeb 64%WP @ 0.3%.In second experiment, under the tank-mixed application dimethmorph 50%WP @ 0.1% + mancozeb 75%WP @ 0.2% showedless average terminal disease severity (22.67%) with highest disease controlled (75.97%) along with highest tuber yield(40.70 t/ha) and highest B:C ratio (2.16) followed dimethmorph 50%WP @ 0.1% + chlorothalonil 75% WP @ 0.2%, whichwas statistically significant. These treatments are also least affected by environmental factors like rainfall. These newfungicides and their tank-mixed sprays were found effective for managing the disease and moreover these tank-mixedsprays can be used to avoid development of resistance against pathogen.
