Chuka University2025-05-202025-05-202015Muthoni, J., Owilla, B.P. and Kabira, J.N.(2015). Potato Production under Irrigation in Hot Conditions: A Reality or a Mirage? In: Isutsa, D.K. and Githae, E.W. Proceedings of the First International Research Conference held from 29th to 31st October, 2014 in Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya.1-6pp.https://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/123456789/18339In Kenya, potato is the second most important crop after maize in terms of production and consumption. It is grown in the highlands (1500 and 3500 mabove sea level). Traditionally high potential areas are becoming drier due to effects of climate change. Over 80% of Kenya’s landmass is hot and dry and therefore unsuitable for arable farming especially for production of cool season crops like potato. Kenya is endowed with fresh water bodies mostly rivers which have traditionally been used for production of paddy rice under irrigation. Rice has traditionally been rotated with maize in these irrigation schemes. Maize necrotic virus disease has recently led to huge losses in maize. The disease has no cure and maize production in the country is becoming a gamble. Maize takes a long time to mature; an alternative short-duration crop such as potatoes could fill in the gap. A study was undertaken at National Irrigation Board Perkerra station to evaluate the performance of local potato germplasm under irrigation in hot conditions. The study was carried out between 6th November 2013 and 21st February 2014. The experimental materials consisted of 33 potato genotypes; 12 advanced clones from CIP and 21 released/farmers’ varieties that are already being grown by farmers in the country. Generally, locally released/farmer varieties had higher % plant survival and stand establishment than the advanced clones from CIP. All varieties had lower yields than they do when grown in the cool highlands. The older varieties introduced into the country long ago had lower yield reduction compared with recently released varieties; possibly the older varieties have become adapted to local climatic conditions. The study needs to be repeated to validate these results.enAdvanced clonesHot ConditionsIrrigationPotatoesArticle