On-farm evaluation of true potato seed in the Philippines

Potato production using true potato seed (TPS) was evaluated with a cooperative group of farmers. The cooperative grew TPS or seed tubers (1 to 3 g) produced from TPS in beds in screenhouses to avoidPseudomonas solanacearum (BW). From 250 to 400 tubers/m2 were obtained. Tubers > 3 g were replanted by farmers at high elevation for further multiplication. Yields always exceeded the control (clonally produced cultivar). Seed tubers from TPS of 3 to 5 g produced up to 32 t/ha resulting in a multiplication rate of 145:1. Farmers are in various stages of adopting this technology. An early maturing progeny with resistance to BW is needed to permit a more rapid spread of this technology.