Genetic parameters and character association for clonal selection in potato breeding programmes

In order to plan a strategy for clonal selection in potato, the behaviour of genetic parameters, namely coefficient of variation (both phenotypic and genotypic), heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance (as percentage of mean), and correlation coefficients (both phenotypic and genotypic) for 12 characters in 22 genotypes were studied under diverse seasons (two autumn and two spring) in the sub-tropical north-western plains of India. All parameters were affected by season as well as by year. Based on the magnitude and consistency of parameters for various characters it was concluded that simultaneous selection for plant vigour, average tuber weight and tuber yield would be effective in improving tuber yield in potato. Selection for breeder's preference score at harvest should also be effective in improving the overall worth of a clone. (© Inra/Elsevier, Paris.)