Assessment of Yield Potential of Different Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Varieties for Seed Production at High Altitude Research Stations of Gilgit Baltistan

Author(s)

Muhammad Shah Zaman , Nizam-ud-Din , Muhammad Khalid , Muhammad Idrees , Abdul Noor , Zulfiqar Ahmad , Junaid Abbas , Rida Bulbul ,

Download Full PDF Pages: 01-07 | Views: 41 | Downloads: 13 | DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17107149

Volume 9 - August 2025 (08)

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosam L.) in Pakistan has gained an important place as being a very economical food crop for both producers and the consumers. It is ranked as fourth importantly cultivated crop by volume after the staple food crops (wheat, rice and maize) so it plays a significant role to eradicate hunger in the world by feeding more peoples especially in the developing countries including Pakistan. A comparative study was carried out for assessment of adaptability of various national and exotic varieties of potato varieties was conducted at Agriculture Research Stations Naltar- Gilgit and Babusar-Diamer Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).A Randomized Complete Block Design was applied with three replications and seven treatments (varieties). For collection of DATA in various yield performance a uniform layout was used in both experimental areas.  The standard agronomic practices were applied in the field during the cropping season. On basis of field performance and analysis of variance clearly depicted significant differences amongst the testing varieties of potato. Sahiwal-1 stands out as the top performer across both research stations, showing strong adaptability and yield potential. The variety Melanto and Rubby also showed promise, though not as prolific as PRI Red. The varietal clones NARC-1 and NARC-2 demonstrated reasonable adaptability, making them viable options for further trials in GB. Kuroda and Barna struggled in the region, indicating least acclimatization to the agro-climatic conditions of Gilgit-Baltistan. The high yielding varieties on basis of their acclimatization and yield performance will be multiplied on large scale through progressive farmers involving private seed companies to promote and establish a sustainable seed potato production system in GB.

Keywords

Potato, Solanum, tuberosum, exotic varieties, abiotic conditions, RCBD, analysis of variance, Naltar, Babusar, Gilgit-Baltistan.

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