Seed Tubers Yield Performance of Some Potato Varieties in Different Localities of the Western Highlands of Cameroon
S. S. Meka *
Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), P.O.Box 80 Bamenda, Cameroon
D. K. Njualem
School of Tropical Agriculture and Natural Resources, Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC), P.O. Box 782 Bamenda, Cameroon
M. Nchang
Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), P.O.Box 80 Bamenda, Cameroon
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Field trials were conducted in seven localities across the Western Highlands of Cameroon from April to September 2015 to evaluate the seed tubers yield performance of some potato varieties. Three improved potato varieties (Cipira, Tubira and Jacob 2005) were used in the experiments in a non-randomized complete block design. Results revealed a significant difference (P=.01) in the total yield of graded potato tubers in the seven localities. However, no significant differences were observed in the yield of grades A, C and D potato tubers in the different sites. The results also showed that there was a significant difference (P=.05) in the yield of grade E with its highest value recorded at Santa (0.6 t ha-1) while the yields of grade B were significantly different (P=.01) with the highest value (8.7 t ha-1) recorded at Batcham. As for the varietal effects on the seed tubers yield of graded potato varieties, there were significant differences (P=.05) among the means of grades A and B with the highest values (1.6 t ha-1 and 5.3 t ha-1 respectively) recorded in Jacob 2005. In the same vein, there was a significant difference (P=.05) among the means of the yield of varieties with the highest value still recorded in Jacob (14.7 t ha-1). The yields of the grades C, D, and E tubers did not differ (P>0.05) among the three potato varieties. Results of this study suggest that regarding yield, Jacob 2005 is the best variety to be recommended to farmers.
Keywords: Potato varieties, seed tubers, demonstration units, yield performance, Western Highlands, Cameroon