Seed production, dormancy and commercialization of Solanum phureja in Ecuador

Abstract

Andean countries are the original source of the potato. In Ecuador there is a traditional market for the fresh product, and an increasing demand for processed potato products. The processing industry uses about 10% of the total production, which is almost 100% local raw material from Solanum cindigena and crosses mainly with S. tuberosum and phareja. During the last'decade, S. phureja cultivars have attracted international interest due to their special characteristics such as flavour, texture, shape and colour in comparison with S. tuberosum and S. andigena. However, there are problems with inconsistency in quality and quantity of raw material supplied to the processing industry, related mainly to seed quality, lack of tuber dormancy and weak supply chain relationships between suppliers and the industry. Competition from high quality, lower cost production in neighbouring countries poses a commercial threat.