The yield potential and main diseases affecting productivity of seven potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cvs. were evaluated during a three years period in experiments carried out at low altitude conditions of Sergipe State, Brazil. The experimental plots were located at 180 m of sea level in a Red-Yellow Podzolic sandy-clay texture soil. The experimental design was of complete randomized blocks with five replications. Tubers were sown yearly in June and harvested in September. After harvest, total yield, commercial yield (healthy tubers with 40 g minimum weight) and losses caused by scab, soft-rot, nematodes, and soil insects were evaluated. The analysis of variance for total and commercial yield of tubers highlighted Baronesa (33.7 kg/ha), Monalisa (32.7 kg/ha), and Elvira (31.4 kg/ha) as the most productive cvs. The commercial yields varied from 3.4 t/ha to 22.a t/ha. The cvs. Elvira and Monalisa, yielded 22.5 kg/ha and 20.5 kg/ha, respectively. Only three insecticides applications were necessary. Scab (13.1%) and nematode (7.2%) were the main phytosanitary problems affecting Elvira cv. In relation to Monalisa, pin larvae soil insect (15.1%), scab (12.0%), and nematode (9.7%) were the main causes of yield loss. Because of its best commercial tuber characteristics Monalisa has been planted instead of Bintje and Baraka, both commonly used in the region. The results indicate the suitability of Itabaiana region for potato production.
Solanum tuberosum; adaptation; disease; insect; nematode
