Basic aspects for the agronomic management of certified potato seed production in low elevational floors

Abstract

The production of certified potato seed in Venezuela does not reach sufficient quantities to meet national requirements, each year approximately 5,000 tons are imported to meet the demand in the field. However, in some cases when the potato seed finally arrives at the producer, the sowing season has passed, the risks of deterioration of the tubers are high and the field yields tend to be low. The use of certified seed tubers, of high genetic, physical and sanitary quality, of cultivars adapted to low floors, sown at the right time and with good agronomic practices, guarantee high productivity in this crop.

In the East and Center of the country, there is experience in planting potatoes for fresh consumption and seed production in intramontane valleys with altitudes between 600 and 1,200 meters above sea level. In Caripe, Monagas state, pre-basic and basic seed were produced through tissue culture techniques between 1993-1998, with cooperating producers. In the states of Aragua and Carabobo, in the 2000s, the certified seed production programs began with net yields of 15,000 to 18,000 t / ha. With the aim of contributing to improve the quality of the production of certified seeds in potatoes, this paper will address basic aspects of good practices in agronomic management in low climatic floors, which tend to improve the quality of the tuber-seed at harvest. and raising the average net yield of certified potato seed, which is currently 20,000 kg / ha, for varieties improved with a timely sowing season.