Potato production in the tropics: Crop requirements

Abstract

Considerable efforts have been made to alleviate constraints affecting potato production in the tropics. In spite of substantial progress, particularly in the area of plant breeding, overall yield increase due to this improved technology has been marginal at best. The major factor restricting production appears to be the limited adaptation of potato to tropical conditions. Also, the lack of a clear understanding of the requirements of the crop hampers a more efficient use of the available technology. As a partial answer to these concerns, this paper reviews current knowledge on the environmental, soil physical and soil chemical requirements of potato in tropical regions.