Predicting yield and processing quality of potato breeding selections

The linear relationship between “site mean” and potato cultivar performance was used to develop predictive models for total yield, yield of US No 1 grade, per cent US No 1 grade, specific gravity and fried chip color. The best fitting linear expression for each of the traits was determined by linear regression for specific cultivars. Common limits for “site means” could then be substituted into the expressions for predictive purposes. Application of this method to large and small data sets demonstrated its use for interpreting preliminary yield trial information for the identification of superior breeding selections.