Summary: In a field experiment conducted during spring-summer 2003 at the experimental farm of CCORAV in Grotte di Castro, Viterbo, Central Italy, the objective was to assess the performance of five potato cultivars under two different management systems: conventional and transitional organic. The experimental design employed a split-plot layout with three replicates, and treatments consisted of a factorial combination of two cultural management practices (main plot) and five cultivars (‘Elodie’, ‘Aladin’, ‘Arielle’, ‘Konsul’, ‘Almera’).
Organic cultural practices adhered to the requirements outlined in the European Union Organic legislation (2091/92 and amendments), while conventional practices reflected those typically employed by potato growers in the Lazio region. Results indicated that ‘Aladin’ and ‘Almera’ emerged as promising varieties for Lazio region growers seeking to transition from conventional to organic management systems. These cultivars exhibited the highest marketable yield, particularly in the medium-size tuber category (45-75 mm), and demonstrated low incidence of disease problems, notably common scab.
However, the study also revealed challenges associated with pest management in organic systems. Specifically, the percentage of wireworm incidence was nearly nine times higher in the organic system compared to the conventional system. This increased pest pressure resulted in a reduction of marketable yield, particularly in the medium-sized tuber category.
In summary, while certain potato cultivars like ‘Aladin’ and ‘Almera’ showed promise for transitioning to organic management in the Lazio region due to their favorable yield and disease resistance characteristics, the study underscored the importance of addressing pest management challenges, such as wireworm infestations, in organic production systems.
Publication: Acta Horticulturae
