Agroecological settings and seed recycling account only partially for potato seed degeneration in Ecuador

Abstract Potato production in low-income countries is threatened by seed degeneration, i.e., the accumulation of seed-borne diseases and pests potato tubers when these are vegetatively propagated over consecutive cycles, leading to a reduction quality yielding ability. Agroecological settings recycling (on-farm propagation cycles) determine process degeneration. However, it poorly understood how factors affect this process. Therefore, reduce knowledge gap, we analysed two datasets collected Ecuador, one from multi-annual field experiment farmers’ study. The experiment, carried out 2013 2016, aimed assess degeneration at agroecological present three different altitudes. study, which 260 farmers were surveyed 2018, understand fields under diverse settings. Our results showed that have heterogeneous influence on presence pests. We also found both altitudes number on-farm cycles affected rates seeds increased yield decreased. study challenged indicating was not clear farms. Combining results, article shows only partially explain This suggests more research about needs take place conditions fully complex performance factors. expect such will support design improved interventions, while simultaneously may generate discussion plays an important role productivity.