Technicaland economic evaluationfor two methodsof pre-basic seedof production of potatoes(Solanum tuberosum L.)under greenhouseconditions

Abstract

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a primary food security in the world, and although it represents an important source of incomeit’splanting, is threatened by the lack of quality seed. In this context, two methods of production of pre-basic potato seed (Conventional and Aeroponic), two varieties (Serranita and Chucmarina) in terms of productivity and economic benefits, since in Peru there are not evaluations that simultaneously compare both methodologies. This research was carried out at the International Potato Center-Lima, during the summer (December-April). The treatments were organized in a Complete Random Design with 4 replicates. It was concluded that the best average of tubers > 5g was presented by the Aeroponic-Serranita system with 324 tubers / m2. The highest average of tubers < 5gwasobtainedby the Aeroponic system (198 tubers / m2). The high temperatures at which the crop was exposed caused low productivity resulting from plant stress. The lowest total cost of production per square meter (US $37.98 / m2)was obtained in the conventional system in both varieties. The highest total income and profitability was obtained by the Aeroponic-Serranita treatment with US $ 125.16 / m2and 66.97%.