Performance of Promising Potato Genotypes in Red Ant (Dorylus orientalis) Management

This experiment was carried out to identify appropriate potato genotypes for red ant management and increase the tuber yield of potato during 2020 and 2021 years. Eight different promising potato genotypes [1. PRP-056267.9 2. PRP-85861.11 3. CIP-394311.112 4. PRP-136368.1 5. PRP-22627.1 6. PRP-296668.1 7. Janakdev (standard check) and 8. Ilam local (Bite)] received from National Potato Research Program (NPRP), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal were included in the study. Experiment was conducted in previously red ant infected potato field in Completely Randomized Block Design with three replications. The experimental plot size was 5.4 m2 (3m x 1.8m) where planting tubers was done at 60 cm row to row and 25 cm plants to plant spacing. Fertilizers of NPK were applied at the rate of 100:100:60 kg /ha and 20 t/ha compost. Well sprouted tubers with weight 30-40 g were planted during the second week of February. Harvesting was done during the last week of July. Data on yield attributing traits, late blight disease, and number of red ant damaged tubers, red ant infested yield and healthy tuber yield were recorded. The standard check potato variety Janakdev (1.00 red ant score, 2.32 – 2.36 % red ant incidence percentage and 0.66 – 0. 71 t/ha red ant infected tuber yield ), PRP-056267.9 (1.00 red ant score, 4.51 – 5.10 % red ant incidence percentage and 0.56 – 0. 67 t/ha red ant infected tuber yield ) and PRP-85861.11 (1.00 red ant score, 4.55 – 5.47 % red ant incidence percentage and 0.76 – 0. 86 t/ha red ant infected tuber yield ) were found tolerant to red ant infestation and produced the highest tuber yield (27.74 t/ha – 28.62 t /ha by Janakdev variety followed by 21.79 - 22.26 t/ha by PRP-056267.9 and 21.09 - 21.05 t/ha by PRP-85861.11 potato genotypes). Therefore, planting of Janakdev variety as well as PRP-056267.9 and PRP-85861.11 potato genotypes is appropriate for higher potato tuber yield and lower down red ant incidence at Jaubari area.