IJH2025v15n3

International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 113-122 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 119 6.4 Experiences in yield improvement through technological innovations in African countries In Africa, technological innovations have significantly improved potato yields. In Ethiopia, a comparative study of eight potato cultivars demonstrated that improved cultivars such as 'Bubu' and 'Badasa' outperformed local varieties in terms of yield and tuber quality. The 'Bubu' cultivar, for example, achieved the highest tuber yield of 39.4 t/ha, showcasing the effectiveness of improved seed tubers and modern cultivation practices (Merga and Dechassa, 2019). In the eastern sub-Himalayan plains of India, the 'Kufri Arun' cultivar achieved the highest total tuber yield (35.52 t/ha) and maximum net return, indicating its suitability for the region's specific climatic conditions (Das et al., 2021). 7 Challenges and Countermeasures in High-Yield Potato Cultivation 7.1 Impacts of climate change on high-yield potato cultivation Climate change poses significant challenges to high-yield potato cultivation, primarily through increased temperatures, drought, and soil salinity. These factors negatively impact plant performance and crop yield, exacerbating the difficulty of maintaining sustainable potato production. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can lead to increased evapotranspiration, soil salinity, and the prevalence of pests and diseases, further threatening potato yields (Dahal et al., 2019). To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to develop stress-tolerant potato cultivars and adapt cultivation practices to the changing environment (Handayani et al., 2019). 7.2 Shortages of agricultural resources and rising planting costs The cultivation of high-yield potato varieties is also hindered by shortages of essential agricultural resources such as water and fertilizers, coupled with rising planting costs. The need for specific amounts and quality of water makes potato cultivation particularly vulnerable to resource shortages (Handayani et al., 2019). The increasing costs of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides add to the financial burden on farmers, making it challenging to sustain high-yield production (Tito et al., 2018). Efficient resource management and the adoption of precision farming techniques can help mitigate these challenges. 7.3 Limitations in policy support and technology dissemination Policy support and the dissemination of advanced agricultural technologies are critical for enhancing potato yields. However, there are often limitations in the availability and implementation of such support and technologies. The complexity of potato genetics and the narrow genetic base of commercial varieties make it difficult to achieve substantial improvements in stress tolerance through conventional breeding methods. The lack of robust policy frameworks and inadequate extension services hinder the widespread adoption of innovative cultivation techniques and stress-tolerant varieties. Strengthening policy support and improving technology dissemination are essential to overcome these limitations. 7.4 Strategies for sustainable cultivation To ensure sustainable high-yield potato cultivation, several strategies can be employed. Developing and utilizing stress-tolerant potato cultivars through advanced breeding techniques, including the use of landraces and wild relatives, is crucial (George et al., 2017). Implementing precision farming technologies and optimizing resource use can enhance productivity and reduce costs. Adjusting planting dates and selecting appropriate crop varieties can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change (Tooley et al., 2021). Emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity and screening for traits in combined stress environments can further support the development of resilient potato cultivars. 8 Conclusion 8.1 Summary of the importance of high-yielding potato cultivars and cultivation techniques High-yielding potato cultivars and advanced cultivation techniques are crucial for enhancing potato production, which is vital for food security and industrial applications. Research has demonstrated that stable and high-yielding cultivars, such as Pokusa and Kuras, can significantly improve tuber and starch yields even under unpredictable growing conditions. Additionally, the evaluation of various potato cultivars in different

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