Articles
Midseason potato cultivars suitable for organic growing: results of a 4-year on-farm participatory research in Hungary
Article number
1326_13
Pages
103 – 108
Language
English
Abstract
An essential issue in organic potato production is choosing the right cultivars since conventional cultivars may not always be suitable for organic production.
Moreover, certified organic potato cropping area in Hungary is relatively small, the communication and cooperation among farmers is relatively weak.
Because of the lack of reliable information and weak cooperative exchanges we initiated an on-farm research program for organic potato production in 2012. Thirteen mid-season potato cultivars with certain degree of resistance to relevant diseases or abiotic stresses were tested on 22 organic farms (2012-2015) in close cooperation with growers.
Quantitative and qualitative parameters were assessed at harvest.
The average yield was 2.1-3.4 kg m‑2 (21-34 t ha‑1). Among seven qualitative parameters the most relevant problems affecting potato quality were: Streptomyces and Rhizoctonia infection and damage by insect pests.
There was great difference in common scab resistance among cultivars.
Also, our findings on disease resistance often differed compared to the descriptions provided by seed tuber distributors.
Besides summarizing and sharing research results, regular meetings and field trips were arranged for farmers.
As an indirect result of the on-farm research program the communication was highly improved among the participants and a well-working organic potato workgroup was formed.
Moreover, certified organic potato cropping area in Hungary is relatively small, the communication and cooperation among farmers is relatively weak.
Because of the lack of reliable information and weak cooperative exchanges we initiated an on-farm research program for organic potato production in 2012. Thirteen mid-season potato cultivars with certain degree of resistance to relevant diseases or abiotic stresses were tested on 22 organic farms (2012-2015) in close cooperation with growers.
Quantitative and qualitative parameters were assessed at harvest.
The average yield was 2.1-3.4 kg m‑2 (21-34 t ha‑1). Among seven qualitative parameters the most relevant problems affecting potato quality were: Streptomyces and Rhizoctonia infection and damage by insect pests.
There was great difference in common scab resistance among cultivars.
Also, our findings on disease resistance often differed compared to the descriptions provided by seed tuber distributors.
Besides summarizing and sharing research results, regular meetings and field trips were arranged for farmers.
As an indirect result of the on-farm research program the communication was highly improved among the participants and a well-working organic potato workgroup was formed.
Authors
O. Papp, T. Jung, D. Drexler
Keywords
Streptomyces, soil pH, Rhizoctonia, resistance, on-farm research, potato, common scab, black scurf, cultivar selection
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