The potential for use of true seed to grow potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Uganda

In Uganda potato production is limited by poor quality seed tubers and cost therefore the possibilty of increasing yields and expanding potato prodution is restricted. Use of true potato seed (TPS) is being investigated to evaluate TPS progenies for both performance and phenotypic uniformity both for production of seedling tubers as propagating materials and as transplants. Secondly, to compare the first generation tubers with farmers seed tubers as alternative to costly seed potatoes. Thirdly, to compare TPS derived tubers for their performance in feasibility of TPS use. The three methods of potato production: True seeds are sown directly in the field to raise crops; True seeds are sown in protected nurseries and seedling transplanted after 4-6 weeks to produce either ware or seed potatoes; Seedling tubers produced from true seeds sown in nurseries at high densities to produce next generation crops. Production by direct field sowing or transplanting is attractive because no seed tuber starage is involved. Where production of potatoes is not possible directly from TPS, seedling tubers derived from TPS may be planted by this system requires tuber storage. Characters of different methods of potato production from TPS suggest that the method by which seedling tubers are raised in nursery beds and are then used to plant a field is most appropriate and has chances of adoption in Uganda. Continuous availability of healthy seed tubers after every 4 - 6 generations (2 - 3 years) of tubers saved from farmers field to replace the degenerated stocks makes this method most appropriate. Sowing seeds directly to raise ware crops in not feasible while transplanting method requires extra labour which is not available. Since 1989, 39 hybrid progenies and 6 open pollinated progenies have been evaluated in Uganda under different agroecological zones. Preliminary information indicates that potato production is feasible with yields comparable and sometimes higher than those from traditional seed tubers especially when seedling tubers production method is used