KUFRI KARAN-FIRST MULTIPLE DISEASE RESISTANT, HIGH YIELDING POTATO VARIETY FOR CULTIVATION IN HILLS AND PLATEAUX OF INDIA

Abstract

Kufri Karan is a ‘First’ potato variety developed by indigenous potato breeding program possessing
resistance to multiple diseases, medium maturing and high yielding suitable for cultivation in hills and plateaux of the
country. During the developmental stages, marker assisted selections were effected to ascertain the phenotypic resistances
at genetic level to ensure the stacking of functional, multiple genes imparting resistance to different biotic stresses. The
variety possesses high resistance to late blight, six viruses i.e. ToLCNDV-potato, PVY, PLRV, PVA, PVM and PVS and
moderate resistance to Potato Cyst Nematode. The variety produces attractive, white cream, ovoid tubers with shallow
eyes and creamy flesh, medium dormancy and good keeping quality. The tubers are easy to cook, has acceptable aroma
post cooking with mealy texture. It yields higher than varieties Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Himalini and Kufri Girdhari, with an
average yield of the variety is 25-30 t/ha under normal conditions of crop growth in the hills and plateaux, while in subtropical
plains the tuber yield is >30 t/ha. This variety being resistant to multiple biotic stresses will be an economical
alternative to earlier varieties being cultivated in the areas where late blight, viruses and PCN are major impediments
to potato cultivation.