Varietal characteristics of potato yield formation in different maturity groups in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the formation of food and seed fractions in the yield of different potato crop maturity groups, as well as the key biochemical indicators of the variety. Methods. Throughout 2021–2024, field trials were conducted in the Forest-Steppe zone (Uman, 48°46′N, 30°14′E) to evaluate 15 potato varieties, including early-maturing (‘Rudolf’ st, ‘Madeira’, ‘Sanibel’, ‘Prada’), medium-maturing (‘Donata’ st, ‘Ricarda’, ‘Alians’, ‘Misteriia’, ‘Alyuett’, ‘Kniazha’), and late-maturing (‘Promin’ st, ‘Rodeo’, ‘Sluch’, ‘Toscana’, ‘Burana’) varieties. The differences in their stem-forming ability, stem density, the number and weight of marketable tubers per plant, and the yield and quality of the tubers were analyzed. Results. Based on the collected data, the most promising varieties were identified for obtaining marketable potato yields at biological maturity for consumption. Early-maturing varieties produced the highest stem density (256.1 thousand stems/ha), while medium- and late-maturing varieties produced significantly lower densities (213.0 and 207.1 thousand stems/ha, respectively). The number of tubers per plant varied insignificantly between maturity groups, at 8.8, 7.7 and 8.9 respectively. However, tuber weight varied significantly, amounting to 55.9 g for early varieties, 85.6 g for medium-maturing varieties and 109.6 g for late-maturing varieties. The varieties ‘Madeira’ (63.4 g), ‘Misteriia’ (101.0 g) and ‘Rodeo’ (128.7 g) demonstrated the maximum values. The varieties with the highest total marketable yield were ‘Prada’ and ‘Kniazha’ with 24.42 and 24.26 t/ha respectively, followed by ‘Alyuett’ with 28.55 t/ha and ‘Sluch’ and ‘Toscana’ with 41.69 and 43.21 t/ha respectively. It was also found that early-maturing varieties are predominantly used for seed production (52% versus 48%), while medium- and late-maturing varieties are predominantly used for food production (63% versus 37% and 60% versus 40%, respectively). The obtained data indicate a close relationship between maturity group and harvest structure by intended use, which is important for optimizing variety use in cultivation, storage and sales systems. Conclusions. Different maturity groups of potato varieties differ significantly in terms of morphological characteristics and productivity. Data on their distinctiveness in terms of the ratio of seed and food portions of the harvest is of great practical importance for regional agricultural technology. Since early-maturing varieties produce a higher proportion of seed potatoes, they are a good source of high-quality planting material and allow for the accelerated renewal of variety composition. Conversely, medium- and late- maturing varieties with a higher percentage of food crops are better suited to ensuring a stable food supply. This approach increases the efficiency with which variety resources are used, optimizes crop structure, and establishes an adapted potato production system that focuses on the needs of the domestic market and seed supply.