Variety traits

Drought tolerance of potato

Solanum tuberosum L.

The ability of potato varieties to withstand soil moisture deficit without a significant reduction in productivity, especially during the critical period from the onset of budding to the end of flowering.

In the reference 53 varieties crop Potato, where this is mentioned in the description.

The assessment of potato drought tolerance is conducted based on the relative yield reduction compared to favorable conditions, using stability and plasticity indices. Laboratory indicators include the measurement of the Membrane Stability Index (MSI) and relative water content in leaves, where a decrease in these parameters by less than 20–25% after prolonged water stress indicates high tolerance.

Physiological adaptation of potato is evaluated by xeromorphic traits, such as the number and size of stomata per unit leaf area, as well as the intensity of pubescence. The temperature regime is also critical: an increase in temperature above 16.5 °C during the growing season causes a decrease in productivity; therefore, resistant genotypes must maintain metabolic indicators under stress loads.

A lack of moisture during the tuberization period leads not only to a sharp drop in yield but also to the deterioration of the commercial quality and biochemical composition of the tubers. In breeding and cultivation, drought tolerance is considered a trade-off between the potential productivity of a variety and its ability to adapt to the specific climatic risks of a region.

General information about the subject — on the page Drought tolerance.

Sources8

Varieties of Potato mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.