Screening for Export Potential Potato Varieties in Bangladesh

Aims: The main aim of this study was to find out the suitable variety having the export potentiality. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with the two replications in each location. Place of the Study: The study was conducted in ten different agroecological environments across the country, namely Bogura, Jashore, Munshiganj, Gazipur, Patuakhali, Faridpur, Debiganj, Madaripur, Thakurgaon and Rangpur district of Bangladesh during November 2020 to March 2021. Methodology: Sixty-two released potato varieties and exotic materials were used as planting materials for the experiment. Whole seed tubers of 28–40 mm were planted in the last week of November with a spacing of 60 cm between the rows and 20 cm between the plants. The crops were harvested at full maturity during March. Tuber yield was determined by adding the weights of marketable and unmarketable tubers from the net plot area and converting them to tons per hectare. After that, the tubers were graded in different grades and the dry matter of the potato was analyzed. Results: Considering the results, the location Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Debiganj and Bogura are the most suitable place for export variety cultivation in Bangladesh. The potato variety and genotypes 13.7, BARI Alu-12, BARI Alu-61, BARI Alu-68, BARI Alu-73 and Innovator were found promising for export for their yield, tuber size and dry matter content. Conclusion: The variety having good yield, bigger size and high dry matter could be selected for export from Bangladesh and the better-performed regions can be utilized for export quality potato production in Bangladesh.