Phenotypic Diversity and Pest Management of Potato Varieties Grown at Baffa Mansehra

In the present study, six potato varieties (Evora, Hannat white, Lacetta, Mustang, SH-5, Anats) were evaluated for phenotypic diversity and pest management based on various qualitative and quantitative traits.Data on various morphological traits and insect/pest infestation frequencies were compile for three plants of each variety.Statistical investigation of data showed significant variations in different morphological characteristics such as plant height, leaf length, leaf width, tuber diameter, and tuber yield, and insects/frequencies (aphids, leafhopper, thrips and whiteflies).Our results showed that despite the maximum infestation frequency for aphids (20.80 insect/plot), leafhopper (24.22 insect/plot), thrips (11.09 insect/plot) and whiteflies (15.73), significantly higher plant height (22.65 cm), leaf length (6.20 cm), leaf width (4.66 cm), tuber diameter (3.43 cm), and tuber yield (12.80 kg), of Lacetta (v.no3) revealed, indicating that this variety is highly resistant/tolerant to these insects/pests.While SH-5 was second to it as regards insect infestation rate and yield, potato varieties Hannat white showed minimum plant height (18.18 cm), leaf length (4.09 cm), leaf width (3.41 cm), tuber diameter (2.41 cm), and tuber yield (7.55 kg), with lowest infestation frequencies for aphids (14.43 insects per plot), leafhopper (17.72 insects/plot), thrips (7.22 insects/plot), and whiteflies (12.97 insects/plot), indicating that this variety is more susceptible to various insects.Based on these results, the varieties Lacetta and SH-5 should be recommended for the cultivation of agro-climatic conditions of Mansehra in order to get maximum yield and to protect the environment and human health from the adverse effects of insecticides and pesticides.