The objective of this work was to estimate the general and specific combining ability of potato parents in early generation of selection. The experiments were carried out at the municipality of Pelotas and Canoinhas. Twelve potato families derived from two groups of parents crossed in a 3 x 4 partial mating design were studied: 'Eliza', 'C-1730-7-94', 'C-1742-8-95' and 'Shepody', 'Asterix', 'White Lady', 'Caesar'. The families were evaluated at the seedling stage and in the first field generation for tuber appearance traits and tuber yield traits. The data were submitted to variance analysis, and partial diallel analysis. In the set of traits there was superiority of significant effects for general combining ability in relation to specific combining ability. This suggests a predominance of additive effects of the genes in the control of these traits. Regarding the general combining ability, 'White Lady' is the most prominent parent, contributing with genes of additive action for the improvement of tuber appearance traits and yield traits. As for the specific combining ability, the cross 'C1730-7-94' x 'White Lady' is the most suitable for the generation of superior families for tuber appearance traits and yield traits.
Solanum tuberosum L.; early generation; partial diallel analysis
