Participatory variety selection of Potato (Solanium tuberosum L) in Southern Ethiopia

Potato is the most important food crop in the world after wheat (Triticum aestivum L), rice (Oriza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L). This shows potato can benefit large segments of the population, the producers as well as the consumers. Therefore, participatory potato variety selection was conducted at Sidama Zone, Umbullowacho water shed, Ethiopia. It was planned to test different varieties including local checks. However, due to the lack of planting materials two improved cultivars (Marachere and Dancha) were considered. Yield and other data were collected and computed. Even if the two varieties had shown different performance especially in root yield, farmers selected both of them. Accordingly Marachere was selected for its excellent ground cover, establishment, stem thickness, freedom from foliar and tuber disease, and uniform tuber size. While Dancha for its earliness, delicious taste when eaten after boiling, low fire wood consumption as it requires short time for cooking and uniform tuber size.