GENETIC PARAMETERS AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATIONS IN POTATO UNDER SUBTROPICAL PLAINS AND TEMPERATE HILL CONDITIONS*

Abstract

A set of 17 potato genotypes was evaluated for seven characters in sub-tropical plains (Modipuram and Jalandhar) and temperate hills (Kufri) to estimate genetic parameters and character associations. Sufficient variation was present for all characters except for number of leaves and tuber dry matter. Heritability values were moderate to high for all characters except for number of leaves at all the locations and for plant height and number of shoots at Kufri. Plant height was positively associated with number of leaves, and tuber yield with average tuber weight at all the locations. Tuber yield was not associated with any of the foliage characters. Estimated genetic parameters and character associations showed that in this population, tuber yield and average tuber weight could be selected simultaneously without adversely affecting the tuber number. The magnitude of genetic parameters was similar at Jalandhar and Modipuram and higher than that at Kufri indicating that separate studies are required for estimating genetic parameters for hills and plains’ locations.