DEVELOPMENTS IN POTATO PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES IN ASIA

Tissue culture and rapid multiplication (RM) have had the greatest impact on potato improvement in Asia over the past 5 years. S. Korea and China have improved seed quality and yield. Vietnamese farmers have demystified and used tissue culture for commercial potato production. The use of sprouts and cuttings is being developed in some countries. TPS, initially adapted in China, is now being adapted in Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines. Research on TPS is now being done in numerous countries. The role of TPS is primarily seen in marginal areas with poor farmers and non-selective consumers. The tropical potato is being researched and developed in Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Sri Lanka where it has also been adopted by farmers. Intercropping is being done in China with 600,000 ha of potatoes in central China in both the spring and fall crops primarily with maiz. Research and development on intercropping with sugarcane and with maiz is presently conducted in many other countries. Drought and bacterial wilt are two of the major problems that need attention.

All the aforementioned developments primarily focus on improved genetic material with superior vigor and adaptation for RM, TPS and hot growing conditions. Germplasm development for BW, drought and intercropping suitability also needs to be developed. Horizontal transfer of information from existing cells of expertise on certain topics needs to take place to help other areas. Sociological factors need to be considered and assessed in introducing new technology and in determining why the technology was or was not adopted.

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