'Bengueta' potato clones show big potential for table use and chip processing

Gonzales et al. of the Northern Phlippines Root Crop Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC- Benguet State University (BSU) conducted a study to evaluate and select high yielding table and processing potatoes that are resistant to pest and diseases. The study also aimed to evaluate the storage performance of the potato clones, and recommended promising clones to the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) for release. Findings of the study revealed the following: Potato clones 13.1.1 and 13.8.1 with yields of 26.31 t/ha and 25.86 t/ha, respectively significantly out yielded the check varieties Igorota, Ganza, and Granola. Igorota is a processing type of potato with a yield of 21.61 t/ha. Ganza is a newly approved variety with a yield of 21.74 t/ha while Granola with a yield of 19.40 t/ha is a table type farmer's variety. Dry matter content ranged from 18-21% and processing quality was found acceptable and comparable with Igorota. Potato chips of these two clones were crispy, light yellow, had no browning and not lardy. Potato clones 13.1.1 and 13.8.1 were highly resistant to late blight as indicated by the rating of 1.33-1.67% at 60 DAP and 1.61-1.72% DAP. Igorota check variety was rated 1.58-1.92%. Granola, also a check variety, had 2.66-3.62% rating at 60-75 DAP. Ganza, a newly approved variety, had a rating of 1.33-1.62%. Three clones including 13.8.1 and 13.1.1 had the highest percentage of sprouting ranging from 12-69%. After 3 months of storage, all the clones have completely sprouted. Clones 13.1.1 and 13.8.1 sprouted earlier than check variety Granola but sprouted at the same time with Igorota, another check variety at 2-3 months after storage. The general acceptability rating of chips of clones 13.1.1 and 13.8.1 was 6.25 (liked moderately). The rating was the same as those of Igorota and NSIC-approved processing type variety. The tubers of the two potato clones are oval, light yellow flesh with shallow eyes. Potato clones of 13.1.1 and 13.8.1 performed better than the three check varieties and showed high potential for planting in the uplands. Their outstanding characteristics are high yield, late blight resistance and highly acceptability rating.