The evaluation of the growth and development parameters of the four potato varieties (Local, PAMINA, DOSA, and UNICA) revealed significant differences among the genotypes. In addition, Fig. 1 shows the average number of ramifications per variety of the tested potato. After 25, 40 and 54 days of growth, the variation in plant height was measured and the results are presented in Fig. 2.

Figure 1. Average number of ramifications of 04 varieties of potatoes at different phonological stage.

Figure 2. Histogram the size of 04 varieties of potatoes at different phonological stage.

The local variety exhibited the shortest plants at all observed phenological stages. At 25 days after sowing (25 DAS), its average height (21.2 cm) was more than twice lower than that of PAMINA (44.3 cm). Overall, UNICA showed the best vegetative growth performance, reaching 75.2 cm height at 54 DAS. Significant variation was also observed among the varieties in terms of the average number of plant branches. DOSA and PAMINA displayed intermediate values, positioned between the local variety, which showed weaker development, and UNICA, which recorded the highest growth performance. Fig. 3 presents the average number of leaves at different dates of 04 varieties of the potato. Fig. 3 presents how the average number of leaves varied with the potato plant age.

Figure 3. Number of leaves the 04 varieties of potatoes at different phonological stage.

The analysis revealed clear varietal differences in the average number of branches per plant. The local variety developed the lowest number of branches, ranging from 2 to 3 during the observation period. In contrast, PAMINA recorded the highest number of branches, with 4 branches at 25 DAS and up to 6 branches at 54 DAS. From 25 DAS, UNICA plants had already developed all their branches (5), whereas branching in PAMINA progressed over time. These results indicate that branch development in potato plants varies according to both variety and growth stage. At 25 days after sowing (25 DAS), no significant differences were observed in the average number of leaves among the four potato varieties tested. However, significant differences emerged at 40 DAS. The local variety recorded the highest average number of leaves (28), whereas PAMINA showed the lowest (20). Overall, PAMINA produced fewer leaves than the other tested varieties.

3.2. Evaluation of Irish potato yield components

Table 2 presents the analysis of variance of the obtained yields. The results indicated no significant difference (p = 0.720; 0.852 ≥ 0.5) in the mass of 10 randomly selected tubers among the four potato varieties. The average mass ranged from 0.82 to 0.92 kg. Varietal differences were observed in the number of tubers per plant.  The DOSA variety produced the highest number of tubers per plant, whereas the local variety recorded the lowest number (7.7 tubers per plant).

Significant differences were also observed in the average production per plant and yield per hectare. The average weight per plant ranged from 5.08 kg (local variety) to 10.33 kg (PAMINA variety). Similarly, the yield per hectare varied from 40.69 tons/ha (local) to 82.65 tons/ha (PAMINA). Overall, the Local variety recorded the lowest values for most yield components. Fig. 1 illustrates the distribution of the yield medians among the tested potato varieties. Table 2 indicates that PAMINA achieved the best yield performance among the tested varieties. With an average yield of 82.65 t/ha, PAMINA produced approximately twice as much as the local variety (40.69 t/ha) and about 20% more than DOSA.

Table 2. Yield component evaluation in kg.

Varieties of potato	Average weigh in kg of 10 tubers of potatoes	Average tubers per plant potatoes	Weigh in kg per plant potato	Yield in t/ha per varieties
Local variety	0.842 ± 0.002	7.750 ± 1.340	5.09 ± 0.562a	40.69 ± 5.234a
DOSA	0.875 ± 0.005	11.000 ± 2.145	8.64 ± 1.032ab	69.08 ± 2.245ab
PAMINA	0.910 ± 0.034	9.750 ± 2.235	10.33 ± 3.230b	82.65 ± 12.362b
UNICA	0.927 ± 0.025	9.000 ± 2.032	6.85 ± 0.892ab	54.77 ± 3.572ab
Probabilities	0.782	0.912	0.047	0.003

4. Discussion

4.1.    Growth and development parameters of 04 potatoes varieties

The results demonstrated considerable variability in vegetative growth potential among the studied potato varieties. The lower plant height observed in the local variety may be attributed to its genetic characteristics or lower adaptability to the agro-ecological conditions of the study area. The superior performance of UNICA in terms of plant height and vegetative development suggests a greater growth potential, which may translate into enhanced photosynthetic capacity and potentially higher yield. These findings are consistent with the study conducted by Ünlühan and Erdoğan [16], who also reported significant varietal differences in Türkiye. In their study, the tallest plant was recorded in the Pomqueen (89.6 cm) and Kaya (85.5 cm) varieties, highlighting the strong influence of genotype on vegetative growth performance. Overall, the observed variability emphasizes the importance of variety selection in optimizing agronomic performance in potato production. The observed differences in branch number among the varieties highlight the strong influence of genotype on vegetative architecture. The lower branching capacity of the local variety may reflect limited vegetative vigor, whereas PAMINA and UNICA demonstrated greater branching potential, which could enhance canopy development and light interception.

These findings are in agreement with previous studies conducted in different agro-ecological contexts. In Egypt, the Burren cultivar produced the highest mean number of branches per plant across three growing seasons (4.871, 4.883, and 4.896), outperforming the Rosetta cultivar, as reported by Hafez et al. [17]. Similarly, in Ethiopia, the Shenkolla variety recorded the highest stem number per plant (7.3), whereas the Menagesha variety showed the lowest (2.5), with statistically significant differences among varieties, according to Tessema et al. [18]. Overall, these comparisons confirm that branching and stem production are largely genotype-dependent traits and may vary considerably depending on environmental conditions and varietal characteristics.The absence of significant differences at 25 DAS suggests that early leaf development is relatively similar among the studied varieties. However, the significant variation observed at 40 DAS indicates that leaf production becomes more genotype-dependent as the plant growth progresses.

The lower leaf number recorded in PAMINA may reflect varietal differences in vegetative growth patterns, particularly in canopy architecture and biomass allocation. Since leaves are directly involved in photosynthesis, such differences may influence dry matter accumulation and ultimately tuber yield. These findings are consistent with the previous studies. Namugga et al. [19] reported that Irish potato varieties can exhibit significant differences in plant height, number of primary branches, and tuber yield, highlighting the strong genetic influence on vegetative traits. Similarly, Tessema et al. [18] found that varieties such as Viz, Marachere, Guassa, Chiro, and Awash developed the minimum number of leaves per plant. Furthermore, Masarirambi et al. [20] and Zebenay [21] reported in studies conducted in Zimbabwe and the central highlands of Ethiopia that leaf number differences were significantly influenced by plant density and seed size. Generally, the results confirm that leaf development in potato is determined not only by genetic factors but also by agronomic practices and environmental conditions.

4.2.         Yields component of Irish potato varieties

The absence of significant differences in the mass of the 10 tubers suggest that tuber size may be relatively stable across varieties under the same growing conditions. However, the significant variation observed in the number of tubers per plant and the total yield indicates that the yield performance is strongly influenced by varietal characteristics. The higher number of tubers produced by DOSA and the superior yield performance of PAMINA highlight the importance of genetic potential in determining productivity. As reported by Asefa et al. [22], differences in the number of tubers tuber per plant are mainly attributed to genetic variation among potato varieties. Improved crop performance also depends on appropriate agronomic management. According to Tufan and Öztürk [23], successful crop intensification requires adherence to recommended practices, particularly proper fertilizer and pesticide application, as well as the use of improved seed varieties. Comparable findings were reported in Iraq, where the Caruso cultivar produced the highest number of tubers per plant (4.67 tubers/plant), as noted by Luqman et al. [24]. Similarly, in Egypt, the Burren cultivar achieved superior production in terms of tuber weight across three growing seasons (140.04, 142.08, and 146.00 g), as reported by Hafez et al. [17].

In general, the local variety consistently showed lower yield performance, suggesting limited genetic potential or reduced adaptability compared to the improved varieties. These findings emphasize the critical role of varietal selection and agronomic management in maximizing the productivity of Irish potatoes. The superior yield performance of PAMINA confirmed its high genetic potential under the study conditions. Compared to the yield levels reported in other countries, the performance observed in this study was relatively high. In Morocco, for example, the yields ranged from 15 to 50 t/ha depending on the variety and production conditions, according to INRA [25]. Similarly, Hafez et al. [17] reported that the Burren cultivar outperformed Rosetta, producing 16.48, 17.73, and 20.66 t/ha in three seasons. In Niger, average potato yields are reported to be around 18.8 t/ha. In Iran, yield performance varied among genotypes, with some showing higher yield potential than others, as reported by Arshadi et al. [26]. In Ethiopia, higher yields have been recorded under improved management and genotypic selection. Asefa et al. [22] reported a maximum yield of 46.1 t/ha from the advanced clone CIP-392640.524, followed by Belete (41 t/ha). In Western Ethiopia, Tilahun et al. [27] found yields ranging from 21.51 to 26.56 t/ha across multiple locations.

Yield stability is a critical factor in varietal recommendations. The relative stability of DOSA and UNICA suggests better adaptability to different conditions. Conversely, the variability observed in PAMINA may be attributed to varietal impurities or heterogeneity. According to Finlay and Wilkinson [28], the mean yield across environments and regression coefficients are key indicators of cultivar adaptation and stability. Thus, with regard to our context, the similarities that exist between these two regions from a climatic point of view show that the average temperatures range from 24.2°C to 36.5°C in the Far North and from 19.5°C to 34.2°C in Adamaoua during September, to January [29].

Small shifts in the minimum and maximum average temperatures did not influence the risks and key determinants related to these two regions (the Far North and Adamaoua), whose similar characteristics are based on the dominance of cool humid winds and prolonged rainfall in September. In November, they experience intense rising warm air that comes into contact with cold and humid air. During the same month, we also observed the predominance of dry and cold winds from the northeast. Finally, from December to January, cold and dry winds blow during the night and morning. This leads to the conclusion that the varieties produced in the Adamaoua zone can be adapted to the climatic conditions of the Far North during this period.

Further studies in Ethiopia showed that the Milki variety (CIP-394640.539) had strong yield stability across environments [30], whereas Tessema et al. [18] reported that Belete produced up to 32.8 t/ha total yield in the central highlands. In Iraq, Luqman et al. [24] found that the Jelly variety achieved yields of about 34.14 t/ha. Overall, the findings highlight that yield performance is strongly influenced by the genotype, environmental conditions, and management practices. Environmental variability often contributes more to yield variation than genetic factors, as observed in Malawi where environmental effects accounted for 62.86% of the yield variance compared to 14.25% from genotype variation. Therefore, beyond yield potential, varietal selection should also consider yield stability, adaptability, and crop cycle duration to ensure suitability to local agro-ecological conditions.

4.3.         Cultural cycle of production Irish potato tested

The similarity in days to tuberization and commercial maturity suggests that the tested varieties belong to comparable maturity groups, despite differences in their flowering time. The delayed flowering observed in DOSA may reflect varietal genetic characteristics that influence phenological development. The NDSCM values recorded in this study are consistent with the findings of Tesfaye et al. [31], who reported that the Awash potato variety reached maturity at 89 days in Northern Ethiopia. However, the same authors noted that the farmers’ cultivar Agere required up to 108 days to reach maturity, highlighting the influence of genotype on the crop cycle duration.

Although DOSA exhibited slightly longer maturation compared to PAMINA and the Local variety, the difference of a few days may not significantly impact production costs when management operations are scheduled weekly. Therefore, the choice of variety should consider not only earliness but also the yield performance and stability. Furthermore, Tessema et al. [18] reported that the interaction between variety and environment had no significant effect on traits such as days to 50% flowering, specific gravity, and dry matter content, suggesting a relatively stable varietal performance across locations. Overall, the results indicate that while flowering time differs among varieties, commercial maturity remains relatively similar, and varietal selection should integrate maturity class, yield potential, and adaptation to local agro-ecological conditions.

4.4. Economic analysis of onion and potato production

Although improved varieties involve higher initial production costs, mainly due to certified seed purchase and transportation, their significantly higher yields result in substantially greater income and net profits. The economic advantage observed with PAMINA highlights the importance of investing in improved varieties to maximize profits. Compared to the local variety of the potato, the most values (net profit) are 13 787 856 cfa F; 9 264 351 cfa F; 4 493 607 cfa F obtained respectively for the PAMINA, DOSA and UNICA varieties. The total charge of potato production in the rainy season is 2 162 500 cfa F, while the net profit is 262 041.75 cfa F [3]. However, it was noticed that the gross margin of 1 023 750 cfa F in the DOSSO region [32].

The comparison with onion production suggests that potato cultivation could serve as a competitive alternative crop. From a production perspective, potatoes may act as a substitute for onions among farmers, offering similar or greater financial returns. However, from a consumer standpoint, onions and potatoes are often consumed together in fixed proportions in many households, which may characterize them as complementary goods. Access to agricultural credit plays a key role in enhancing productivity and profits as noted by Mugumaarhahama et al. [33], agricultural credit enables farmers to purchase improved seeds, fertilizers, and hire labor, thereby increasing farm productivity and income. Moreover, proximity to markets reduces transaction costs and improves access to market information, thereby further strengthening profitability. Overall, the higher income generated by improved potato varieties can contribute to long-term household poverty reduction through reinvestment in productive assets, including natural and human capital.

5.     Conclusions

At the end of this study, which aimed to evaluate the adaptability of Irish potato varieties in the Diamaré Plain of the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon, clear differences were observed among the tested varieties in terms of growth performance, yield, stability, and economic profitability. The PAMINA variety recorded the highest yield, reaching approximately 82.65 t/ha, demonstrating superior productive potential under the agro-ecological conditions of the study area. However, despite its high productivity, PAMINA showed greater variability around the median yield, suggesting a relatively lower yield stability.  In contrast, DOSA and UNICA exhibited more stable yield performances, with less dispersion around their median values. Although their yields were slightly lower than those of PAMINA, their greater stability makes them more reliable under variable environmental conditions. Therefore, from the perspectives of risk management and sustainability. DOSA and UNICA may be preferable for cultivation.

Economically, Irish potato production, particularly with DOSA and UNICA varieties, represents a viable and profitable alternative to onion cultivation in the dry season in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Given the comparative profitability and agronomic performance observed, potato farming can serve as a substitute strategy for onion production in the Diamaré Plain. To strengthen and generalize these findings, it is recommended to conduct multi-location trials across different sites within the Sudano-Sahelian zone. Such broader evaluations would allow for a more comprehensive assessment of varietal adaptability, yield stability, and economic performance under diverse environmental conditions.

Disclaimer (artificial intelligence)

Author(s) hereby state that no generative AI tools such as Large Language Models (ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) and text-to-image generators were utilized in the preparation or editing of this manuscript.

Authors’ contributions

Conceptualization, data curation, funding acquisition, investigation, methodology, formal analysis writing original draft, P.D.S.; software, validation, visualization, review and editing, J.T.K.; data curation, methodology, resources, review and editing, P.M.; formal analysis, methodology, review and editing, L.L.C.N.

Acknowledgements

The authors would really like to express they’re thanks to the seed companies of Ngaoundéré and that o Mogodé for having provided the basic seeds for carrying out the study.

Funding

The work was carried out with the authors’ own funding. This study did not receive any external funding.

Availability of data and materials

All data will be made available on request according to the journal policy.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.   

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