Nonparametric indexes in selecting advanced potato clones

This study aimed to test nonparametric selection indexes for selection of advanced potato clones and identification of those that are likely to become cultivars. The experiments were carried out in 2016 and 2017 crop seasons, from May to August, in the experimental field of Embrapa Vegetables. Seventeen advanced potato clones and two check cultivars (Agata and Asterix) were evaluated. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Experimental plots consisted of a 3 m row, with 10 tubers spaced 30 cm apart within and 80 cm between rows. At 115 days after planting, tubers of each plot were harvested, classified, counted and weighed. Analysis of variance was performed and the following nonparametric selection indexes were applied: weight-free index, sum of ranks index and distance of the genotype-ideotype index. The three selection indexes coincided with the choice of the best genotypes, with the first two being superior, because the weight-free index was more restrictive than the other indexes. Among the selected clones, F97-07-08 and F183-08-01 stood out for being coincident in the three indexes. In addition to these, clones F158-08-01 and F18-09-03 were also selected by the indexes of the genotype-ideotype and sum of ranks.