Challenges in the Production of High-Quality Seed Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Tropics and Subtropics

Beata Wasilewska-Nascimento,Dominika Boguszewska-Mańkowska,Krystyna Zarzyńska

doi:10.3390/agronomy10020260

Beata Wasilewska-Nascimento, Dominika Boguszewska-Mańkowska + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020260

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Abstract

The potato has been a widely used vegetable crop in temperate countries for a long time. Its consumption and the area of its cultivation has increased significantly over the past decades in the tropics and subtropics as well. The main problems of potato producers in the tropics and subtropics are the unsatisfactory quality of seed potatoes, mainly derived from the informal seed supply system, and the insufficient availability and high cost of certified seed potatoes. The hope for improving this situation can be the application of soil-less technologies for minituber production under controlled conditions. This publication focuses on important advantages of the aeroponic system in the production of pre-basic seed potatoes in the tropics and subtropics. It also highlights some deficiencies that can be overcome with the involvement of several actors in the potato industry, including local universities and the private sector. It emphasizes that innovative aeroponic installations are an opportunity to increase the production of high-quality seed potatoes in the countries of the tropics and subtropics, which, in many cases, will result in less dependence on expensive imported seed potatoes, often from a different climate zone. The introduction of aeroponic installations conserves the shrinking natural soil and water resources and contributes to their protection.

Highlights

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is grown on all continents inhabited by humans except Antarctica
The potato has a poor tolerance to high temperatures during the tuberization period, which is unfavorable from an economic point of view
The modern system of producing high-quality seed potatoes should be based on using the adaptation potential of potato varieties to local growing conditions, such as resistance to high temperatures and droughts

Summary

Introduction

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is grown on all continents inhabited by humans except Antarctica. The potato appears more and more often as an integral part of multiple cropping systems characteristic of the tropics and subtropics because it has an extremely high production potential, is a valuable source of energy and protein and its cultivation is profitable and provides employment [5]. In tropical countries such as Bolivia, Columbia, Peru, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, potatoes can be grown all year round. Over the past 50 years, the share of individual continents in global potato production has increased, with the exception of Europe (Table 2).

Some Aspects of Seed Potatoes Production in the Tropics and Subtropics

Aeroponic Production of Minitubers in Tropical and Subtropical Conditions

Advantages of Aeroponic Production of Minitubers

Aeroponic Production Deficiencies

Findings

Final Considerations