Potato production in aeroponics: An emerging food growing system in sustainable agriculture for food security

• Published in: Chilean journal of agricultural research 2020-01, Vol.80 (1), p.118-132
• Main Authors: Tunio, Mazhar H, Gao, Jianmin, Shaikh, Sher A, Lakhiar, Imran A, Qureshi, Waqar A, Solangi, Kashif A, Chandio, Farman A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aeroponics; Agricultural production; Agriculture; Alternative technology; Atomizing; Crops; Cultivation; Cultivation techniques; Developing countries; Farmers; Food; Food security; Food supply; Implants; LDCs; Nozzles; Nutrient deficiency; Pests; Plant roots; Potatoes; Production management; Quality; Researchers; Safety and security measures; Seeds; Soil fertility; Soil water; Soil-borne diseases; Soilless farming; Soils; Sustainable agriculture; Vegetable industry; Water quality
• ISSN: 0718-5820; 0718-5839
• DOI: 10.4067/S0718-58392020000100118

The global average potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production is 17.4 t [ha.sup.-1]. Even using the same potato varieties, there is a large gap between higher yields and lower yields among countries. Potatoes are a cash crop and a significant part of the global diet. Therefore, low soil fertility, soil-borne diseases, poor water quality, and pests seriously affect potato production in developing countries. To improve potato quality and production, it is necessary for the modern world to improve its potato cultivation techniques. Aeroponics cultivation is an alternative technology of soilless culture for effectively adapting to areas of the world where soil and water are in critical condition. In aeroponic systems, plant roots are suspended in the open air under controlled circumstances to replace the soil with artificially provided foam or plastic stents. Moreover, the nutrient solution is spread through atomization nozzles. This review provides insights into the potential use of aeroponics in complementing potato production in developing countries. Moreover, in most developing countries, this technology should be adopted after deliberate consideration to increase potato production. Key words: Aeroponics, nutrient solution, potato production, soilless culture, ultrasonic atomization.