This thesis addresses the importance of agronomic practices in the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum, L.) in Ecuador, an essential crop both nutritionally and economically. The main objective is to determine how these practices can improve pest and disease control, thus increasing crop productivity and sustainability. A bibliographic research methodology was used, analyzing updated information from various scientific and technical sources. The results highlight that the implementation of techniques such as crop rotation, the choice of resistant varieties, and integrated pest control are essential to reduce dependence on agrochemicals and improve the health of the agricultural ecosystem. These practices not only increase the production and quality of tubers, but also contribute to environmental sustainability. In addition, it was observed that training farmers in these techniques is vital for their adoption and success in the field. Community participation in the implementation of these practices is also considered essential to foster positive change in local agriculture. In conclusion, it is crucial that farmers adopt these effective agronomic practices to ensure greener and more profitable production, thereby ensuring food security and economic well-being for rural communities. Furthermore, exploring the impacts of biodiversity on crop location could open up new possibilities for increasing potato production in a climate change scenario. This approach not only benefits producers, but also promotes a healthier and more sustainable agricultural environment for future generations. | This thesis addresses the importance of agronomic practices in the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum, L.) in Ecuador, an essential crop both nutritionally and economically. The main objective is to determine how these practices can improve pest and disease control, thus increasing crop productivity and sustainability. A bibliographic research methodology was used, analyzing updated information from various scientific and technical sources. The results highlight that the implementation of techniques such as crop rotation, the choice of resistant varieties, and integrated pest control are essential to reduce dependence on agrochemicals and improve the health of the agricultural ecosystem. These practices not only increase the production and quality of tubers, but also contribute to environmental sustainability. In addition, it was observed that training farmers in these techniques is vital for their adoption and success in the field. Community participation in the implementation of these practices is also considered essential to foster positive change in local agriculture. In conclusion, it is crucial that farmers adopt these effective agronomic practices to ensure greener and more profitable production, thereby ensuring food security and economic well-being for rural communities. Furthermore, exploring the impacts of biodiversity on crop location could open up new possibilities for increasing potato production in a climate change scenario. This approach not only benefits producers, but also promotes a healthier and more sustainable agricultural environment for future generations. | Este trabajo de titulación aborda la importancia de las prácticas agronómicas en la producción de papa (Solanum tuberosum, L.) en Ecuador, un cultivo esencial tanto nutricional como económicamente. El objetivo principal es determinar cómo estas prácticas pueden mejorar el control de plagas y enfermedades, aumentando así la productividad y la sostenibilidad del cultivo. Se empleó una metodología de investigación bibliográfica, analizando información actualizada de diversas fuentes científicas y técnicas. Los resultados destacan que la implementación de técnicas como la rotación de cultivos, la elección de variedades resistentes y el control integrado de plagas son fundamentales para reducir la dependencia de agroquímicos y mejorar la salud del ecosistema agrícola. Estas prácticas no solo incrementan la producción y calidad de los tubérculos, sino que también contribuyen a la sostenibilidad ambiental. Además, se observó que la capacitación de agricultores en estas técnicas es vital para su adopción y éxito en el campo. La participación comunitaria en la implementación de estas prácticas también se considera esencial para fomentar un cambio positivo en la agricultura local. En conclusión, es crucial que los agricultores adopten estas prácticas agronómicas efectivas para asegurar una producción más ecológica y rentable, garantizando así la seguridad alimentaria y el bienestar económico de las comunidades rurales. Además, explorar las repercusiones de la biodiversidad en la ubicación de los cultivos podría generar nuevas posibilidades para incrementar la producción de patatas en un escenario de cambio climático. Este enfoque no solo beneficia a los productores, sino que también promueve un entorno agrícola más saludable y sostenible para las futuras generaciones

Agriculture in the Indian Sundarbans deltaic region primarily depends on a rice-based monocropping system during the rainy season, with the subsequent season often remaining fallow. To mitigate this issue, a series of experiments using zero tillage and straw mulching (ZTSM) potato cultivation were conducted over eight consecutive years (2017–2024) across various islands in the Sundarbans Delta, West Bengal, aimed to intensify the cropping system and ensure the betterment of the land use pattern using climate-smart agricultural practices. In the initial two years, the experiments concentrated on assessing different potato cultivars and nutrient dosages under zero tillage and paddy straw mulching conditions. During the subsequent years, the focus shifted to field demonstrations under diverse climatic conditions. The research included the application of different macronutrients and growth regulators, in combination with different depths of straw mulching. In the final years of the study, the intervention was dedicated solely to the horizontal expansion of cultivated land. These initiatives aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainable land use in the polders, promoting climate-resilient farming practices. From the sets of experiments, we standardized the sustainable nutrient management strategies and selection of appropriate potato cultivars vis-à-vis depth of straw mulching and, finally, the overall best agronomic practices for the region. The adoption of the ZTSM potato cultivation system demonstrated considerable success, as evidenced by the remarkable increase in the number of farmers employing this sustainable agricultural practice. The number of farmers practicing zero tillage potato cultivation surged from 23 in the initial year to over 1100, covering an area of more than 15 ha, highlighting the effectiveness of the technology. The analysis of the estimated adoption also showed that more than 90% adoption is likely to be achieved within a decade. This potential expansion underscores the benefits of the ZTSM potato cultivation system in improving soil health, conserving water, and reducing labour and costs. As more farmers recognize the advantages of zero tillage potato mulching, this approach is poised to play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture, enhancing productivity while promoting environmental stewardship.

The growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices requires the search for innovative solutions to improve crop yield and quality. This study investigated the soil-specific effects of the bio-growth regulator Supporter on seed potato yield and quality in different potato varieties, with the aim of unlocking its sustainable potential under different environmental conditions. Field trials were conducted on several soil types using the bio-growth stimulator Supporter at a rate of 300 mL per hectare. Standardized agronomic practices, including continuous fertilization, weed control, and pest control, were applied at all test sites to ensure comparability. The results showed that the use of the bio-growth stimulator Supporter significantly increased tuber yield and quality, especially in soils with moderate fertility levels. In the treatments, with the Supporter biostimulator, there was better tuber size uniformity and a higher fraction and number of seed potato. A higher average seed potato mass and higher multiplication coefficient were observed. The effectiveness of the Supporter varied across study locations and soil types, with sandy and sandy loam soils showing the most pronounced benefits, while clay soils showed more limited responses. The results underscore the potential of the Supporter as a sustainable tool for increasing potato seed production, while also emphasizing the need for soil-specific recommendations. This study highlights the importance of integrating growth regulators into precision agriculture to optimize crop performance and support global food security goals. Therefore, further research is needed on the use of biostimulants, which will allow us to understand the purpose of their action, which is important in agricultural practice.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the development and application of statistical methods, process-based models, machine learning, and deep learning techniques in potato yield forecasting. It emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse data sources, including meteorological, phenotypic, and remote sensing data. Advances in computer technology have enabled the creation of more sophisticated models, such as mixed, geostatistical, and Bayesian models. Special attention is given to deep learning techniques, particularly convolutional neural networks, which significantly enhance forecast accuracy by analyzing complex data patterns. The article also discusses the effectiveness of other algorithms, such as Random Forest and Support Vector Machines, in capturing nonlinear relationships affecting yields. According to standards adopted in agricultural research, the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) in the implementation of prediction issues should generally not exceed 15%. Contemporary research indicates that, through the use of advanced and accurate algorithms, the value of this error can reach levels of even less than 10 per cent, significantly increasing the efficiency of yield forecasting. Key challenges in the field include climatic variability and difficulties in obtaining accurate data on soil properties and agronomic practices. Despite these challenges, technological advancements present new opportunities for more accurate forecasting. Future research should focus on leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology for real-time data collection and analyzing the impact of biological variables on yield. An interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from ecology and meteorology, is recommended to develop innovative predictive models. The exploration of machine learning methods has the potential to advance knowledge in potato yield forecasting and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a promising crop in combating vitamin A deficiencies (VAD) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)‘s vulnerable populations and its adoption directly impacts potential benefits across the value chains. This review assessed OFSP adoption factors and advances in research for OFSP increased production across SSA countries. Scopus, Research for Life, and Google Scholars were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2023 on the different objectives. The systematic search resulted in 22 and 53 studies, respectively, for the first and second objective that met inclusion criteria. Data extracted include author and year, study location, study population, methodology, results, and conclusion. Our study indicates that the adoption of OFSP in SSA is influenced by six primary factors: “Knowledge and awareness,” “social factors and networks,” “agronomic traits,” “taste and sensory attributes,” “health and nutrition,” “market and economics.” Furthermore, the review identified various studies highlighting the need to align breeding objectives with factors influencing OFSP adoption, implement optimal agronomic practices tailored to local contexts, and develop efficient value chains and targeted marketing strategies to increase OFSP production and commercialization across sub-Saharan African countries. This review underscores the importance of formulating breeding objectives, production techniques, and commercialization strategies in line with stakeholder needs and adoption factors to ensure successful OFSP integration for combating VAD in SSA. With these insights into factors affecting adoption and consumption of biofortified crops, new research and development roadmap is required to address evolving challenges influencing widespread OFSP adoption.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae L.) and is a major problem to wheat production in Ethiopia. It directly affects the yield of wheat and indirectly contaminates products due to mycotoxins. A field survey was conducted in Central and Southwest Ethiopia to assess the intensity of FHB of wheat and its association with agronomic practices during the 2019/2020 cropping season. A total of 144 fields in 12 districts were surveyed and analysed using GENMOD technique in SAS. Logistic regression was used to test the association of FHB with agronomic factors. The result showed that FHB was prevalent in all surveyed fields and widely distributed with 100% incidence in some fields. FHB epidemic was favoured in areas with humid weather, and most notably includes Tello, Deddo, Mencho, She-Bench and Adiyo districts in Southwest Ethiopia, but was suppressed in Endegagn, Soddo and Wolisso districts of Central Ethiopia. These results confirm that Southwest Ethiopia was severely affected by FHB than Central Ethiopia. High FHB incidence (≥75%) and severity index (≥55%) were associated with potato, teff and maize as preceding crops; less frequent ploughing; late planting time (September and beyond it); and Kakaba’a’, Kingbird and Mekuye as recently sown wheat varieties. Low FHB intensity had high probability of association with planting in July, peas and beans as preceding crops and Triticale, Hidase and Shorima as a recently sown wheat varieties. The study suggests that the use of peas and beans as a preceding crop, frequent ploughing, use of less infected wheat varieties and planting in July could be used in designing integrated disease management options to reduce FHB epidemic in wheat.

The article, "Planting Potatoes with Science," explores a school-based educational project that introduces elementary students to agriculture through hands-on potato cultivation following the IAC Sprout/Seed-Potato Tecnology, particularly focusing on plant health and virus prevention. Conducted with scientific guidance from the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) and supported by the Julius Kühn Institute, this program allows students to observe the effects of plant viruses on crop yield by growing both healthy and virus-infected potatoes. The initiative aims to reduce urban populations' growing disconnect from food production, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable agricultural practices. The project incorporates three dimensions of sustainability: ecological (demonstrating how agricultural practices impact the environment), economic (highlighting the economic value of resource-efficient farming), and social (promoting awareness of collective agricultural responsibility). By engaging students in plant care, growth monitoring, and final harvest activities, the project not only educates them about agricultural science but also cultivates critical thinking, environmental awareness, and an appreciation for food production's complexities. This successful 15-year initiative underscores the potential of integrating agricultural science into early education, encouraging future consumer consciousness and a foundation for informed, sustainability-minded decision-making. | Der Artikel „Kartoffeln mit Wissenschaft pflanzen“ beschreibt ein schulisches Bildungsprojekt, das Grundschülern durch praktische Erfahrungen im Kartoffelanbau die Landwirtschaft näherbringt, mit besonderem Fokus auf Pflanzengesundheit und Virusprävention. Dabei wird die IAC Sprossen/Saatkartoffel-Technologie angewendet. Das Programm wird wissenschaftlich vom Agronomischen Institut von Campinas (IAC) begleitet und vom Julius Kühn-Institut unterstützt. Es ermöglicht den Schülern, die Auswirkungen von Pflanzenviren auf den Ernteertrag zu beobachten, indem sie gesunde und virusinfizierte Kartoffeln anbauen. Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, das wachsende Auseinanderdriften von Stadtbewohnern und Lebensmittelproduktion zu verringern und ein tieferes Verständnis für nachhaltige landwirtschaftliche Praktiken zu fördern. Das Projekt integriert drei Dimensionen der Nachhaltigkeit: ökologisch (es zeigt, wie landwirtschaftliche Praktiken die Umwelt beeinflussen), ökonomisch (es hebt den wirtschaftlichen Wert ressourceneffizienter Landwirtschaft hervor) und sozial (es fördert das Bewusstsein für die kollektive Verantwortung in der Landwirtschaft). Durch die aktive Beteiligung der Schüler an der Pflanzenpflege, der Wachstumsüberwachung und der Ernte vermittelt das Projekt nicht nur Wissen über Agrarwissenschaft, sondern fördert auch kritisches Denken, Umweltbewusstsein und ein Verständnis für die Komplexität der Lebensmittelproduktion. Dieses erfolgreiche 15-jährige Projekt unterstreicht das Potenzial, Agrarwissenschaften frühzeitig in die Bildung zu integrieren und so eine Grundlage für bewusstes Konsumverhalten und nachhaltige Entscheidungsfindung zu schaffen.