Is Field-sowing of Hybrid True Potato Seeds Feasible for Seed or Ware Potato Production under Dutch Conditions? An Analysis Based on a Review and Twenty Experiments

Abstract

The introduction of hybrid true potato seeds (hybrid TPS) offers multiple new ways for seed or ware tuber production in potato, including field-sowing. As opposed to the use of nursery raised seedlings for field-transplanting, which is extensively studied and reported as a practical option for seed or ware production, field-sowing of hybrid TPS is a promising opportunity of which the feasibility for use has not been exhaustively investigated. Field-sowing may be more cost effective as it does not require nursery seedling production. This paper assesses the possibilities of using a field-sown hybrid TPS cultivation system for seed and ware production. First, the critical phases of the system to come to yield formation are defined, namely seed germination, seedling emergence, and plantlet establishment, based on a review. Second, observations and results collected in 20 studies over the course of 4 years indicate that various factors including seed quality and treatment, physical soil properties, soil moisture, weather, and the application and timing of crop management practices all significantly influenced the success of a field-sown crop. The uptake of field-sowing of hybrid TPS for seed or ware tuber production will benefit from improvements in plantlet establishment ratios by improved seed quality and enhanced agronomic practices and technologies. Genetic improvements are beneficial to trigger yield increase in general, and specifically enhance the crop’s early vigour. An important aspect in shaping the future for potato as a field-sown crop is the need to support growers with advice based on experimentation with field-sown TPS in addition to grower’s own experiences growing potato from hybrid TPS or other small-seeded field crops.

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