Summary of YIELD AND DISEASE TOLERANCE OF POTATO CULTIVARS GROWN UNDER CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC CULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Yield and Disease Tolerance on Potato: Field Evaluation of Cultivars
A field experiment was conducted during spring–summer 2003 at the CCORAV experimental farm in Grotte di Castro, Viterbo, Central Italy, to investigate yield and disease tolerance on potato under different cultivation systems. Five potato cultivars (‘Elodie’, ‘Aladin’, ‘Arielle’, ‘Konsul’, and ‘Almera’) were evaluated under conventional and transitional organic management in order to assess their tuber yield and resistance to pests and diseases.
Experimental Design for Potato Yield and Disease Tolerance
The study employed a split-plot design with three replicates. The main plots consisted of two cultural management practices, while the subplots included the five cultivars. Organic practices were implemented according to European Union Organic legislation (2091/92 and amendments), whereas conventional practices reflected the standard methods commonly used by potato growers in the Lazio region. By using this approach, the study ensured a fair comparison of yield and disease tolerance on potato across different systems.
Results: Potato Cultivar Performance
Results indicated that ‘Aladin’ and ‘Almera’ were the most suitable cultivars for growers aiming to transition from conventional to organic systems. These varieties showed the highest marketable yield, particularly for medium-sized tubers (45–75 mm), and exhibited a lower incidence of common scab. Furthermore, the findings suggest that careful cultivar selection is crucial for achieving both productivity and disease resistance.
Pest Challenges in Organic Systems
However, wireworm attacks were significantly higher in the organic system, with pest incidence almost nine times greater than in conventional fields. Consequently, this increase led to a reduction in marketable yield of medium-sized tubers. Therefore, integrated pest management strategies are necessary to maintain optimal yield and disease tolerance on potato in organic cultivation.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights for farmers seeking to optimize both tuber productivity and disease resistance while adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. By carefully considering cultivar choice and management practices, growers can successfully enhance yield and disease tolerance on potato under varying conditions.
Publication: Acta Horticulturae
