ARS | Publication request: POTATO PRODUCTION IN THE TROPICS: CONSTRAINTS, FUNGICIDE USE, AND THE IMPACT OF IPM STRATEGIES

Submitted to: Trade Journal Publication
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2004
Publication Date: August 15, 2004
Citation: Olanya, O.M., Hakiza, J.J., Crissman, C.C. Potato production in the tropics: constraints, fungicide use, and the impact of ipm strategies. Outlooks on Pest Management. pg 181-184

Technical Abstract: Potato is an important food and cash crop in various tropical and temperate countries of the world. The tropical countries of the world account for about 100 million tons of potato production yearly. In these regions production is concentrated in the densely populated highlands where agro-ecological conditions are quite variable in terms of acreage, yield, and production systems. There are numerous constraints for potato production; among these are pests (late blight, potato tuber moth or cutworms), agronomic (seed availability), resource degradation, storage and socio-economic factors. Management of diseases such as potato late blight constitute a significant cost factor. The use of IPM strategies for management of potato pests include resistant varieties, cultural practices, chemical control, grower education and various combinations of the above. Although pesticides are a vital component of Potato IPM, their cost and inappropriate use often result in ineffective control particularly for potato late blight. Various innovative solutions are being used to enhance production, including: farmer-based seed systems, true potato seed (TPS), farmer field schools (FFS) and IPM strategies adapted to local conditions. These innovations are expected to positively influence the economic, environmental, and health related aspects of potato-based cropping systems in the tropical highlands.