Rapid multiplication techniques (RMTs): A tool for the production of quality seed potato (Solarium tuberosum l.) In Ethiopia

Abstract

Productivity of potato is constrained primarily by use of low quality seeds in Ethiopia. Many field multiplication generations of vegetatively propagated basic seed result in build-up of seed-borne diseases and subsequent dissemination to new fields. Use of soil-less media is an alternative to reduce soil borne disease infections in production of vegetatively propagated planting materials. The main bottleneck in potato seed tubers is slow multiplication rate on the field and contamination of the seed with viral and bacterial diseases. This has therefore, called for use of Rapid Multiplication Techniques (RMTs) such as in vitro propagation of potato to eliminate viral and bacterial infections. The production of potato seed under conventional system has not been effective in avoiding or reducing the build-up of pathogens and has consequently led to reduced quality seed and low crop yields. Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC) aims to improve production and productivity of potato in Ethiopia through promotion of the use of quality seed tuber. RMTs have been used at the research center to improve the multiplication ratio of disease free potato seed in short period of time. Using RMTs, large quantities and quality minitubers have been produced at HARG starting from Tissue Culture (TC) in vitro plantlets in the laboratory followed by screen house pot multiplication. Recently, aeroponics unit were introduced and under use to produce high quality minitubers for released potato varieties and clones as one of the RMTs tools. Thus, the existing potato seed multiplication using conventional methods alone cannot cope up with the current national seed demand for improved quality seed tubers. Therefore, the use of TC mass propagation of in vitro plantlets and further multiplication using RMTs such as screen houses and aeroponics techniques are an efficient way of assisting the process of multiplying large quantity clean seed tuber production. It also aims to contribute to the growing national seed demand as well as to produce disease free planting materials that will be helpful to eradicate the dissemination of potato viruses and bacterial wilt. Thus, this review paper outlines the progress and achievements in RMTs for production of high quality seed potato at HARC. The challenges and the need to develop certification standards to increase capacity for potato minitubers production by RMTs in Ethiopia were also explicitly discussed. © 2014 Asian Network for Scientific Information.