Uruguay: INIA promotes the multiplication of quality potato seeds for family farming

In recent years, the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has developed potato cultivars resistant to viruses such as PVY and diseases such as Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria solani, facilitating local seed multiplication. However, the supply of quality seeds remains a critical obstacle, especially for small and non-specialized farms.

These farmers often face difficulties with the cost of seeds, limited availability, and the need to frequently renew them due to degeneration and the spread of diseases—problems exacerbated by the use of genetically uniform, clonally propagated varieties. As a result, producers are often limited to purchasing expensive seeds from external sources, which are not always adapted to local climates or resistant to pests and diseases prevalent in Uruguay.

One of the sponsored delegates to attend the World Potato Congress in Adelaide, Australia, was Dr. Paula Colnago, an agronomist at the Southern Regional Experimental Center of the Faculty of Agronomy at the University of the Republic, Uruguay. To address some of these challenges, she is investigating the development of alternative seed multiplication systems that are more accessible to small family farms.

Colnago’s research focuses on improving seed potato propagation using alternative techniques and materials. Among the methods investigated are semi-autotrophic hydroponics (SAH) and true seed potato (TSP), which are not only environmentally friendly but also offer significant advantages over traditional clonal propagation methods.

The SAH system uses micropropagated tissue to produce plantlets for various minituber systems, such as aeroponics. This method has been successfully implemented in various parts of the world, but was recently tested in Uruguay as part of this research. Furthermore, TPS offers a high level of genetic diversity, which helps reduce the spread of diseases and the environmental impact of potato cultivation. TPS is cost-effective, easy to store and transport, and allows for earlier planting.

Between 2022 and 2024, the Colnago team conducted a series of trials designed to evaluate seed tuber production potential using two genetic materials: INIA Arequita, a locally developed variety, and TPS progenies, under various planting conditions.

Collaboration between researchers and local farmers has been essential to ensuring the success of this project.

The Uruguayan Agroecology Network, a farmers’ organization, played an active role in the research, participating in on-farm trials and helping to evaluate the effectiveness of different multiplication techniques. Farmers were assigned to manage the trials on their own farms, recording the results and participating in decision-making throughout the project. This practical experience empowers farmers to take ownership of the seed multiplication process.

Colnago’s participation in the World Potato Congress (WPC), held in Adelaide, Australia, provided the opportunity to share this research and strengthen its professional development. "There are many common challenges we face as a global potato industry, and discussing creative solutions implemented in each region can be invaluable at future congresses," he says.

He adds that one of the most important takeaways from the Congress was the growing global interest in sustainability in potato production. “Improving the sustainability of potato cultivation, particularly with regard to reducing inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, is an area I hope to explore further in my work.” In Uruguay, Colnago is developing the next stages of the ongoing research. The project has already expanded: six farmers are growing their own TPS seed, and the Uruguayan Agroecology Network plans to support new farmers in this process. The next phase (2025–2028) will involve perfecting seed multiplication techniques, particularly through the production of base seed and subsequent generations.

In addition, new alliances have been established with organizations such as the National Committee for Rural Development and the Native and Creole Seed Network of Uruguay.

With these new partnerships and the results of its research, Colnago is optimistic about the future.

“By developing sustainable seed multiplication systems adapted to local needs, we can improve the resilience of family potato farming systems and contribute to food security in Uruguay in the coming years,” he says. “Uruguay is on the path to creating a more sustainable and resilient potato production system that supports food security and the country’s agricultural economy.”