The potato holds a central role in Uruguay’s agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to the country’s food security and economy — but access to high quality seeds remains an issue.
In recent years the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has developed potato cultivars resistant to viruses like PVY, and to diseases such as Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria solani, which helps in local seed multiplication. Yet, the supply of quality seed remains a critical barrier, particularly for small, non-specialized farms.
These farmers often struggle with seed costs, limited availability, and the need to renew their seed supplies frequently due to degeneration and disease spread, issues that are exacerbated using clonally propagated, genetically uniform varieties. As a result, growers are often left with few options but to purchase expensive seed from external sources, which are not always adapted to local climates or resistant to the pests and diseases that are 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 South Regional Experiment Center, Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad de la República, Uruguay. To address some of these challenges, she is carrying on research to develop alternative seed multiplication systems that are more accessible to small family farms.
Colnago’s research focuses on improving the multiplication of seed potatoes using alternative techniques and materials. Among the methods investigated are semi-autotrophic hydroponics (SAH) and true potato seed (TPS), both of which are not only environmentally friendly, but also offer considerable advantages over traditional clonal propagation methods.
The SAH system uses micro-propagated tissue to produce plantlets for different mini-tuber systems, like aeroponics. This method has been successfully implemented in various parts of the world but was newly trialed in Uruguay as part of this research. Additionally, 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.
From 2022 to 2024, Colnago’s team conducted a series of trials designed to evaluate the production potential of seed tubers 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 a critical element in ensuring the success of this project.
The Uruguayan Agroecology Network, a farmers’ organization, played an active role in the research by participating in on-farm trials and helping to evaluate the effectiveness of different multiplication techniques. Farmers were appointed to manage the trials on their own farms, recording results and participating in decision-making processes throughout the project. This hands-on empowers farmers to take ownership of the seed multiplication process.
Colnago’s participation in the World Potato Congress (WPC) held in Adelaide, Australia, was an opportunity for her to share this research and enhance her professional development. “There’s a lot of overlap in the challenges we face as a global potato industry, and discussing creative solutions implemented in each region can be invaluable at future Congresses,” she says.
She adds that one significant takeaway from the Congress was the growing global interest in sustainability in potato production. “Improving the sustainability of potato farming, particularly in the areas of reducing inputs like fertilizers and crop protectants, was an area I hope to explore further in my own work.”
Back home in Uruguay, Colnago is building on the following stages of the ongoing research. The project has already expanded, with six farmers now cultivating their own seed from TPS, and the Agroecology Network of Uruguay planning to support new farmers in this process. The next phase (2025-2028) will involve further refinement of seed multiplication techniques, particularly through the production of foundation seed and subsequent generations.
Additionally, new partnerships have been established with organizations like the National Committee for Rural Development and the Native and Creole Seed Network of Uruguay.
With these new partnerships and her research results, Colnago is optimistic about the future.
“By developing sustainable, locally adapted seed multiplication systems, we can improve the resilience of potato family farming systems and help support food security in Uruguay for years to come,” she says. “Uruguay is on track to create a more sustainable, resilient potato production system that supports the country’s food security and agricultural economy.”
