Understanding and managing seed degeneration in potato: Implications for potato resilient seed system and food security. A review

Abstract

Understanding seed degeneration in potato farming systems requires updated and pertinent information across different cropping systems and circumstances to find ways to deal with the problem. As a vegetatively propagated crop, potato is susceptible to pathogens and pest accumulation in seed tubers over successive cycles of vegetative propagation especially, where small-scale farmers replant their source seed for several production seasons. Seed degeneration in potatoes is a complex phenomenon, caused by a variety of soil, vector, and seed-borne pathogens resulting reduction in yield and quality of the crop. By providing an extensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the impacts and coping strategies of potato seed degeneration, mostly in the global south, this review aims to help underpin such relevant information and better development of the seed sector. This review article also provides insights on seed system bottlenecks leading to seed degeneration which impact food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in developing countries including Ethiopia. We discussed the causes of seed degeneration and possible approaches to conquer the problem under smallholders’ perspective for sustainable potato production and improved food security.