An ethnobotanical field study of promitive potato varieties in Peru

In field studies carried out at Cuyo-Cuyo, southern Peru, an area of traditional agriculture, the varietal and ploidy richness of two potato fields cultivated by the Quechua Indians was determined. Tetraploid primitive varieties were the most common, representing 95% of all plants sampled, but diploids and triploids were also found. The tuber crops agricultural system on the Incaic terraces was documented, and factors affecting the selection of potato varieties were assessed. Flavour and dry matter content were the most important quality factors indicated by local farmers.