Gudene (also spelled Gudane or Gudanie) is an improved table potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety released in 2006 by the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC) of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). Developed from the International Potato Center (CIP) clone 386423.13, the variety was bred specifically for Ethiopia's highland potato-growing regions. Gudene has become one of the country's most widely cultivated potato varieties due to its high yield potential, broad adaptability, and reliable performance under rain-fed conditions.
The variety is well suited to elevations of 1,600–2,800 metres above sea level and performs best in areas receiving 750–1,000 mm of annual rainfall. It reaches maturity in approximately 120 days and is capable of producing average research yields of around 29 tonnes per hectare under recommended agronomic practices. Gudene is valued for its moderate resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), helping reduce production losses in Ethiopia's major potato-growing regions.
Gudene produces yellow-skinned, white to cream-fleshed tubers with a predominantly ovate to elliptic shape and shallow eyes, giving the tubers an attractive appearance for the fresh market. The variety is widely appreciated for its excellent cooking quality, making it suitable for boiling and other household preparations. It also demonstrates good market acceptance and has been extensively used in Ethiopian potato research and variety evaluation because of its stable performance and adaptability.
Characteristics
- Recommended altitude: 1,600–2,800 m above sea level
- Recommended annual rainfall: 750–1,000 mm
- Days to maturity: Approximately 120 days
- Yield potential: Around 29 t/ha under research conditions
- Disease resistance: Moderate resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans)
- Tuber shape: Ovate to elliptic
- Skin colour: Yellow
- Flesh colour: White to cream
- Eye depth: Shallow
- Primary use: Fresh market and household consumption
- Cooking quality: Excellent; suitable for boiling and general culinary use
- Adaptation: Well adapted to Ethiopia's highland, rain-fed potato production systems
- Key strengths: High yield, broad adaptability, good market acceptance, stable performance, and good culinary quality