Agronomic consequences of growing field-transplanted hybrid potato seedlings

Abstract

The introduction of hybrid breeding in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) requires novel and efficient cropping systems for potato production based on true potato seed (TPS). Such systems address the limitations of conventional seed tuber–based systems, including low multiplication rates, high degeneration rates, and high costs of transport and storage. Of the possible cultivation pathways of TPS, we introduce and discuss the potential of field transplanting nursery-raised potato seedlings as an alternative system for seed and ware production. This review discusses the current knowledge available on field transplanting of potato seedlings, the key factors that influence the success or failure of the system, and some of the prospective factors that will influence the wide introduction and utilization of field transplanting of potato seedlings in diverse farming systems. A field transplanting system will require the successful production of seedlings in the nursery, a successful establishment of transplanted seedlings in the field, and successful crop management to attain a productive seed or ware crop. The contribution of various factors in the various phases of the system to the success of the transplanted crop is also discussed. The introduction and utilization of the field transplanting system will be accelerated when hybrid breeding focuses on the introgression of traits of interest into high yielding cultivars and when agronomic studies focus on defining factors influencing productivity in distinct phases of the system.