GROWING OF VIRUS-FREE POTATO SEED TUBERS IN THE AEROPONIC PLANT

Abstract

Throughout the world, potatoes, as a food crop, are very important. One of the main reasons for the poor quality of planting material, yield and potatoes themselves are viral infections. The use of virus-free seed material is one of the high-potential ways to increase the yield and efficiency of potato production. Aeroponics is a promising direction in obtaining a virus-protected crop. This study aimed to assess the potential and improve the technology for growing healthy mini-tubers of potatoes using the aeroponic method, which is a safe and economical method. Compared to the usual method of growing crops, aeroponics assumes lower water and energy costs per unit of production, as well as excludes soil diseases of the plant and does not allow damage to the tuber caused by pests. For growing different varieties of crops in different regions, artificial conditions such as additional lighting in greenhouses can be easily provided. In this study, economic calculations have shown that, from a practical point of view, Aeroponics technology may be appropriate for large-scale production of seed potatoes.