Results of correlation and path analyses for identifying breeding-valuable traits in potato affecting yield

The article presents the results of study of 12 potato cultivars in the Omsk region (2022–2024). The aim of the research was to establish relationships between economically valuable traits of potato cultivars using correlation and path analysis methods for their further use in breeding programs aimed at increasing productivity. The weather conditions during the growing seasons differed in terms of hydrothermal coefficient (HTC): 2022 – favorable in terms of heat and moisture supply (HTC = 1.02); 2023 – dry (HTC = 0.78); 2024 – wet (HTC = 1.63). Based on the main yield parameters, the cultivars were characterized for the effective use of their potential. The following varieties were identified: ‘Krepysh’ (Russia) – with high yield (30.8 t/ha) and marketable tuber weight (88.3 g); ‘Gala’ (Germany) and ‘Grand’ (Russia) – with the highest number of tubers (11.4 and 10.7) with low weight of marketable tuber suitable for processing. Correlation relationship was established between the yield and marketable tuber weight in 2022 (r = 0.418) and 2023 (r = 0.504), and in 2024 – between the yield and the number of tubers per plant (r = 0.434). To develop an effective breeding program, using the integration of statistical methods (calculation of path coefficients) with breeding assessment, the highest breeding value of individual quantitative traits of potato plants was determined. A high positive direct effect on the yield was found for the “marketable tuber weight” trait (2022-2023) and “the number of stems per plant” (in the wet 2024); a very low effect (2022-2023) for the “number of stems per plant” trait and an insignificant effect for the “marketability” trait. The “marketable tuber weight” trait can be used in the selection of source material for potato breeding for increased productivity.