New potato clone yields high

A highly-yielding potato clone has been found suited to some vegetable-producing areas in Benguet.

Named IP 84004.7, it turned out the highest yield and number of marketable tubers in a study done by Crispin Boguiles, a B.S. in Agriculture student at the Benguet State University (BSU) based in the capital town of La Trinidad.

In his study titled "Evaluation of Potato Clones at Banooy, Buguias, Benguet", Beguiles assessed the growth and yield performance of potato clones.

Results showed that Clones CMI, CMI3.8.1, CM7 IP84004.7, CM9 and Igorota (the check variety) were not significantly different in terms of percentage of plant survival and plant vigor.

Based on yield, however, Clones CM1, 13.1.1, CM7, 13.8.8, and CM9 gave low yield. IP84004.7 had the highest production and number of marketable tubers.

"Findings revealed that clone IP84004.7 is comparable with Igorota variety in terms of yield," Boguiles said. "It is, therefore, recommended to be used in the place." – Rudy A. Fernandez