LATE BLIGHT-RESISTANT VARIETIES FOR CAMEROON

In October 1992 the first three late blight resistant varieties developed under local conditions were officially released in Cameroon. This resulted from the first four years of research collaboration between the Institute of Agricultural Research (IRA) of Cameroon and the International Potato Center (CIP). The three varieties were selected from a group of 95 advanced clones sent by CIP in early 1988. The new varieties are well adapted to the highlands of the country, where late blight is the main pathological constraint on potato production. CIPIRA (CIP 381381.13) is a variety with white skin, as compared to TUBIRA (CIP 381406.6) and BAMIRA (CIP 720055) which have a red skin. These varieties have shown a consistent late blight reaction between 1-3 (scale of 1=immune to 9=highly susceptible) during the four years of field trial evaluations, a growing cycle of 90-125 days at elevations between 1,000-2,000 m, and an average potential yield of 30-40 ton/ha under low fertilizer inputs (60/60/40 kg NPK/ha). Seed will be available for distribution to farmers in late 1994, utilizing a basic seed production scheme based on mass production of rooted stem cuttings developed by the IRA/CIP Project in Cameroon.