New propagation methods tested for potatoes in Uruguay

Access to quality potato seed remains a persistent challenge in Uruguay, despite the crop's vital role in national food security and agriculture.

The National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has introduced disease-resistant cultivars, yet smaller farms still face difficulties in sourcing reliable, affordable seed. High costs, frequent degeneration, and reliance on genetically uniform varieties force many growers to depend on expensive, ill-adapted imports.

To tackle these issues, agronomist Dr. Paula Colnago is researching alternative seed multiplication methods better suited to small producers. She emphasizes the need for practical, sustainable solutions.

Her work explores techniques like semi-autotrophic hydroponics (SAH) and true potato seed (TPS), both offering lower environmental impact and greater resilience. SAH, using micro-propagated tissue for mini-tuber production, has now been trialed locally. TPS, known for its genetic diversity, reduces disease spread and supports earlier, cost-efficient planting.

Between 2022 and 2024, Colnago’s team tested seed production using INIA Arequita and TPS under varying field conditions. The trials involved close cooperation with farmers, who actively contributed to data collection and decision-making throughout the process.

The Uruguayan Agroecology Network actively contributed to the research by coordinating on-farm trials and helping assess different seed multiplication techniques. Farmers were directly involved, managing trials on their own land, recording results, and participating in decisions — a process that strengthened their technical capacity and ownership of seed production.

Back in Uruguay, the project continues to expand. Six farmers are already cultivating seed from true potato seed (TPS), and the Agroecology Network plans to support additional participants. The next phase, running from 2025 to 2028, will focus on refining multiplication methods and developing foundation seed.

New collaborations with organisations such as the National Committee for Rural Development and the Native and Creole Seed Network of Uruguay mark a further step toward building a decentralised, sustainable seed system. The goal is to strengthen local capacity, reduce dependence on imports, and improve the resilience of potato farming in the country.

source: seedworld.com

photo: potatopro.com