Abstract
Abstract In Zambia, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation is ranked the third most important among root and tuber crops after cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). In spite of its importance, the productivity and cultivation of potato remain low. In the light of this, a survey was conducted in Mbala district to obtain and document farmers’ knowledge on potato cultivation and understand the constraints associated with potato cultivation and management. Four agricultural camps in Mbala district were purposefully sampled due to the high potato cultivation activity. Data were collected from 116 potato farmers through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Results showed that three major constraints in potato cultivation were white grub (Phyllophaga spp.), foliar wilts (Ralstonia spp. and Verticillium spp.) and seed source, with a farmer-ranked mean-derived score of 3.75, 3.5 and 2.75, respectively. Farmers ascribed 70% crop damage to white grub (Phyllophaga spp.) and 60% crop damage to foliar wilts (Ralstonia spp. and Verticillium spp.). Other information obtained indicated that the majority of the farmers (>85%) were married, above 35 years and had at least primary education. The majority of the farmers involved in the study had less than 0.25 ha under potato production. To reduce the cultivation constraints for increased potato production in Mbala, direct breeding efforts, potato crop protection and other measures need to be employed.
Highlights
The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world’s fourth most important food crop both in total production and in area under cultivation (Zhang et al 2017)
Analysis of the distribution of HH members in three main categories showed that 50% of respondent HH members was below 15 years, 28% was aged between 15 and 35 years and 22% represented HH members who were above 35 years old
The results showed that 63.3% HH heads had primary education, while 28.1% had secondary education
Summary
The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world’s fourth most important food crop both in total production and in area under cultivation (Zhang et al 2017). Potato is used as seed potatoes, ware potatoes and starch potatoes Of these classes, ware potatoes are by far the most important in terms of hectarage (Muthoni and Nyamongo 2009). Potato like any other crop is affected by a number of biotic and abiotic stresses (Kroschel et al 2020). These stresses are serious production constraints in potato growing areas. They range from insect attack causing blemishes and the loss of tuber quality to significant reduction in tuber yield (Okonya et al 2014; Misganaw 2016; Demirel et al 2020). In order to minimize these stresses, which induce damage to potato during growth, harvesting, postharvest and processing, good management of the potato crop would help to effectively and efficiently maximize productivity
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