ABSTRACT

The present investigation on “Performance of apical rooted cuttings of potato genotypes under northern transitional zone of Karnataka” was undertaken at E-Block, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad during kharif season of 2023-24. Eight genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications.
Among the genotypes, Kufri Jyoti, propagated through tubers consistently exhibited superior growth with significantly higher plant height (44.33 cm), number of shoots per plant (4.99) and fresh and dry weight of shoots (129.34 g and 28.60 g) compared to those propagated through apical rooted cuttings. In terms of yield, Kufri Jyoti (tuber propagated) produced the highest tuber yield per hectare (16.45 tons) and per plot (7.70 kg), with superior marketable tuber yield as well (6.63 kg plot-1 and 14.17 tons ha-1, respectively). Among the apical rooted cuttings propagated genotypes, Kufri Lima (3.32 kg plot-1 and 7.09 tons ha-1) and Kufri Sangam (3.26 kg plot-1 and 6.97 tons ha-1) also performed well, achieving moderate yields compared to the tuber-propagated plants. In terms of storage behavior, significant differences were observed among genotypes for physiological loss in weight, weight loss due to rottage and sprouting percentage. Kufri Sangam propagated through apical rooted cuttings had the least storage losses (10.00 %) indicating better post-harvest quality, while Kufri Karan, propagated through apical rooted cuttings, exhibited the highest total weight loss (56.00 per cent) and rotting percentage (5.63 per cent). The economics of production also revealed a notable difference with the tuber-propagated Kufri Jyoti recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio of 2.65, while Kufri Karan, propagated through apical rooted cuttings recorded a loss with lowest B:C ratio of 0.75. Overall, the study indicates that while apical rooted cuttings show potential, tuber propagation still remains more effective in terms of growth, yield and profitability in the given agro-climatic zone.