Agronomic and technological evaluation and selection of tetrapioid clones of potato (Solanum tuberosum L originating from diploid populations

Abstract

Sexual polyploidization with 2n gametes was used to return to the tetraploid level at the end of a breeding programme at the diploid level. Agronomic evaluation (yield and technological traits) of 518 tetraploid clones originating from diploids (TDO) was performed over a 3 year period. A 'modified augmented design' (MAD) was used. The clones were tested without replications; control varieties in Latin squares allowed us to compute adjusted values. Adjustments were low except in 1992. Using their adjusted values, clones were selected with an index combining yield and dry matter content with values of Bintje and Claustar as a threshold. The average rates of selection after the first, second and third screenings were 40, 52 and 44%, respectively. Few clones had a higher yield than the controls but their dry matter content was high. Variability for other traits was high. © 1995.