EVALUATION OF THE INITIAL MATERIAL AND BREEDING LINES FOR ORGANIC POTATO PRODUCTION

Abstract

Studies on the agrobiological response of six potato initial forms and four breeding lines have been conducted at two different systems for organic production including: (1) growing plants in natural soil fertility without using plant-protection products and (2) growing plants by fertilization with organic products authorized for use in organic production and use of biopesticides for plant protection. The control variant of the experiment is conventional production – growing through the use of herbicides, mineral fertilization and plant protection with chemical fungicides and insecticides. The experiments were conducted in the experimental plots of the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute-Plovdiv, during the period 2014-2017.

Significant differences in the characters of the morphological and economic description are registered in the organic production of initial material and potato breeding lines included in the study. They are characterized by a lower number of tubers, a lower average weight of tubers, a lower total and standard yield than that obtained from conventional production. Losses in yield for different genotypes range from 13 to 34%.

The results of the conducted study identify a suitable initial material for potato organic breeding - variety Pavelsko, D1811 and E1504, characterized by relatively high productivity under conditions of organic production, very good morphological qualities and specific insusceptibility to late blight (Phythophtora infestans), early blight (Alternaria solani), bacterial leaf spot, viral diseases and Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata).

Breeding lines (E766, E1026, E1100 and E1811) have been created for organic potato production. Breeding lines E1026 and E1811 combining relatively high productivity level (over 2000 kg.da^-1), very good organoleptic qualities and specific insusceptibility to late blight (Phythophtora infestans), early blight (Alternaria solani), bacterial leaf spot, viral diseases and Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), are described with complex value in organic potato production.