Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 137-149 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 143 5.4 Gender and equity perspectives in potato-growing communities Gender and equity issues are very important in potato-growing communities, especially in highland areas with rich native diversity. For example, in the Peruvian Andes, women play a central role in protecting and managing local potato diversity. They are not only responsible for planting, harvesting and preserving seed potatoes, but also participate in variety selection and knowledge inheritance (Molina et al., 2022). However, gender norms and social structures often limit women's opportunities in agricultural decision-making, resource access and market participation. Studies have shown that empowering women, promoting gender equality and inclusive management can help improve food security, nutrition and community well-being of farming families. External supporters such as governments, NGOs and scientific research institutions should take measures to help women overcome institutional barriers and increase their participation and benefits in the potato industry chain. 6 Breeding and Technological Innovation Promote Sustainable Development 6.1 Development of climate adaptability and pest-resistant varieties Now climate change is becoming more and more serious, and agriculture is under increasing pressure. In order to make potatoes more adaptable to the environment and reduce pests and diseases, scientists have begun to breed some new potato varieties. These varieties are resistant to high temperatures, drought, and pests, which are very helpful for agriculture (Devaux et al., 2021; Waheed et al., 2023; Siamalube et al., 2025). Potatoes themselves are highly adaptable and have high nutritional value, making them a good helper in solving food problems. However, the problem now is that the weather is extreme, the drought is severe, and there are many pests and diseases, which affect both yield and quality. By breeding high-yield, drought-resistant, and late blight-resistant varieties, not only can the yield be increased, but also less pesticides can be used, which is more environmentally friendly (Waheed et al., 2023; Siamalube et al., 2025). Some people are now working on nutritional fortification, such as increasing the content of trace elements such as iron and zinc in potatoes (Siamalube et al., 2025). 6.2 Application of traditional knowledge and participatory breeding Farmers have accumulated a lot of experience from generation to generation, especially knowing which varieties are more adaptable to the local environment. This knowledge now plays a big role in breeding (Devaux et al., 2021; Tedesco et al., 2023). Participatory breeding is to let farmers and researchers select and improve varieties together. The varieties bred in this way are more suitable for farmers to use and more suitable for the local climate (Devaux et al., 2021). In many developing countries, farmers have not only increased their yields but also retained local specialty varieties by participating in seed selection and field management (Devaux et al., 2021; Tedesco et al., 2023). Traditional agricultural methods, such as the use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and intercropping, are also helpful for ecological agriculture (Junge and Finckh, 2024; Zhang et al., 2024). 6.3 Advances in biotechnology and precision agriculture tools Today's scientific and technological progress is very fast, especially biotechnology and precision agriculture, which have brought many new methods to potato cultivation. Methods such as molecular markers, gene editing, and biofortification can be used to improve disease resistance, nutritional value, and yield (Rajendran et al., 2024; Siamalube et al., 2025). Gene editing can specifically change genes that are prone to disease, making potatoes more resistant to diseases such as late blight (Siamalube et al., 2025). Biofortification can increase vitamins and minerals, which is also helpful in solving malnutrition problems. In field management, farmers can also use remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and big data. These tools can monitor soil, water, pests and diseases in real time, helping farmers to arrange watering, fertilization, and pest control more scientifically (Tedesco et al., 2023; Rajendran et al., 2024). Soilless cultivation techniques such as hydroponics are also suitable for breeding seed potatoes in areas with poor soil or extreme weather (Rajendran et
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