Efecto del material de plantación en la producción de semilla de papa (Solanum Tuberosum)

The traditional seed potato multiplication scheme generates a rapid degeneration of sanitary quality, causing high costs. The objective of this work was to assess the adaptation to our conditions of alternative propagation methods, seeking to reduce volumes and initial costs as a technological alternative for small farmers. The effect of three planting materials was analyzed: seedlings (T1), minitubers less than 3 grams (2.2 in average -T2-), and minitubers over 3 grams up to 6 grams weight (3.4 average -T3-) on the production of basic potato seed (Solanum tuberosum var. Arequita). The final production of basic potato seed was affected by the planting material. The number of tubers was affected, significantly differentiating the treatment with seedlings from the minitubers of 2.2 grams. Regarding the weight obtained, the seedlings showed significant differences in both fresh and dry weight, T1 (443.90 g/m2 PF) doubling T2 (206.17 g/m2 PF) and tripling T3 (151.60 g/m2 PF). In conclusion, the results obtained in relation to the growth of the crop indicate that the use of seedlings in the field is viable, while the use of minitubers requires new trials for their adjustment.