Increasing climatic variability, characterized by frequent extreme events, strongly influences potato yield formation, tuber size distribution and key quality attributes. This study assessed the response of five potato varieties (Castrum, Cezarina, Darilena, Sevastia, Ervant) under contrasting weather conditions over three growing seasons (2023-2025) in the Brașov area. The analysis focused on total yield (t/ha), number of tubers per m2, distribution across size classes, specific gravity, dry matter content and starch content. In addition, physical quality indicators were evaluated, including the proportion of shrivelled, mechanically damaged and peeled tubers, as well as defects such as deformation, cracking, sprouting and greening. Results revealed pronounced interannual and genotypic variability. During the analysed period 2023-2025, in the potato growing season (April–September), a trend of increasing temperatures (especially in 2024 and2025) and an increase in rainfall variability is observed. Yield and tuber number fluctuated significantly depending on climatic conditions, with more pronounced differences observed in years with higher thermal and hydric stress. Quality parameters, including dry matter, starch content and specific gravity, were also influenced by seasonal variability. The incidence of physical defects increased under stress conditions, highlighting their sensitivity to environmental factors. Under the analyzed experimental conditions, the influence of interannual climatic variability on the analyzed parameters was stronger than genetic differences, with moderate differential responses to temperature and precipitation variations being observed for the varieties studied.

climatic variability, potato yield, tuber quality

agronomy

Presentation: poster