Influence of Plant Morphological Parameters on Potato Productivity in Arid Climate

The objective of research is to identify potato varieties with high productivity and resistance to high air temperatures and insufficient moisture, to assess the effect of plant morphological parameters on potato productivity. The studies were conducted in the experimental fields of the Samara Research Institute of Agriculture, a branch of the Samara Scientific Center of the RAS (Samara Region) in 2022–2024. The object of research was 50 potato varieties of various maturity groups of domestic selection. Potatoes were planted using a clonal planter in the second ten-day period of May. The replication was four times, with 50 plants each. Morphological parameters were measured on 10 randomly selected plants of each variety. Plant height was measured on the 30th; 40th; 50th and 60th days after planting. Plant growth dynamics was assessed by the increase in the aboveground part of each variety every 10 days. Productivity records were carried out in accordance with the Methodological Guidelines for the Technology of the Potato Breeding Process. Statistical data processing was performed using the dispersion analysis method. The parameters of adaptive capacity and stability of genotypes were determined using the Kilchevsky – Khotyleva method. Potato varieties of different maturity groups with the highest average yield over the years of research were identified: Krasnoyarsky ranniy (32.0 t/ha), Alka (39.9), Kaluga (37.6), Ariel (33.8), Nika (33.6), Mirazh (33.7), Tarasov (35.8), Vostorg (40.9), Flagman (32.6), Nadezhda (33.2 t/ha). The varieties Krasnoyarsky ranniy, Blossom, Alka, Kaluzhsky, Ariel, Nika and Vostorg were characterized by the optimal combination of adaptive capacity and genotype stability. An indirect feature characterizing the yield of early maturing varieties can be considered the growth intensity in the periods of 30–40 and 50–60 days after planting. In the mid-early group, a reliable correlation was revealed between the yield and tuber weight with the growth intensity of plants in the period of 30–40 days. Mid-early varieties with intensive growth during the period of 30–40 days formed larger tubers. In the group of mid-season varieties, the growth intensity indicators did not have a significant effect on plant productivity.