Evaluation of Physicochemical Attributes of Potato (Solanumtuberosum L.) Varieties in Eastern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, a number of improved potato varieties have been released by different research centre and institution; with much emphasis for adaptability, productivity and late blight resistance, while it has been given less or no emphasis to physicochemical attributes. Therefore, field and laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of the growing environment on physicochemical attributes of 16 released potato varieties (Moti, Belete, Bubu, Ararsa, Gudenie, Bule, Gabissa, Marachare, Harchassa, Gera, Gorrebella, Guassa, Jalenie, Bedassa, Zemen&Chiro) and two local farmer’s cultivars (Bette & Jarso). The genotypes were grown at Haramaya, Hirna andArberekete; all in eastern part of Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The data were statistically tested and the result indicated the existence of statistically significant difference among genotypes for most of the traits. The maximum tuber geometric mean diameter (57.12mm3), dry matter content (30.66%), starch content (79.267%) and specific gravity (1.0967) were observed for Belete variety. While the highest sphercity (92.00%) and pH value (6.8) were observed for Gera and Bule variety respectively. In the same manner, the highest surface area (17805.7mm2) was observed for Moti variety where as the highest total soluble solid content (7.340Brix) were observed Bubu variety. The result of the study revealedthat the genotype and the growing environment have a great influence on physicochemical attributes of potato tubers. This study suggested that the growing environment has significant influence on potato tuber physicochemical attributes. Therefore, testing genotypes across location becomes important to recommend varieties for design of grading, handling, processing and packaging systems