semilla

5 Successful Experiences of Potato Seed Production in the Andes

The yield of the potato crop in the Andean countries is low, and a major cause is the seed degeneration. To solve this problem, those countries created seed certification programs. But its implementation has not delivered the expected results. So, the current seed systems need important changes to improve both the competitiveness and income of small farmers. The following article describes five successful experiences in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.

semilla

How to increase potato production using simple techniques (or how to manage potato seed health)

Small-scale farmers in developing countries use the potatoes harvested on their farm as potato seed. Or those obtained from neighbors or local markets. But this material usually has pests and diseases which accumulate from one cycle to another. And that often diminish the crop yields. Researchers have known this process as seed degeneration. A recent… Continue reading How to increase potato production using simple techniques (or how to manage potato seed health)

semilla

Cinco experiencias exitosas de producción de semilla de papa en los Andes

El rendimiento del cultivo de la papa en los países andinos es relativamente bajo y una causa importante es la degeneración de la semilla. Para solucionar el problema se crearon los sistemas formales de certificación de semillas, a imagen y semejanza de los establecidos en los países desarrollados. Pero por diferentes motivos y a pesar del esfuerzo dedicado, su implementación no ha entregado los resultados esperados. Se requieren por tanto cambios urgentes en los actuales sistemas de semilla. Aquellos que permitan a los pequeños y medianos productores ser competitivos y mejorar sus condiciones de vida. La siguiente nota describe cinco experiencias exitosas de producción de semilla de papa en Ecuador, Perú, Chile y Argentina.