Under the FoodSec Semence Regional Project, a comprehensive training program on apical cutting production took place. The workshop happened for 3 days at the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) in Réduit, Mauritius. This initiative, funded by the European Union through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). They aimed to enhance potato seed production through innovative techniques.
Key Participants and Expertise
The training brought together twenty-two participants, including staff from FAREI, students from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius, and representatives from Sugar Estates. The resource person leading the sessions was Dr. Nyawade Shadrack Otieno, a seasoned expert in soil science. Dr. Otieno holds a Master’s and a Ph.D. from the University of Kenya and has extensive experience in training farmers and seed producers on seed potato production. In Kenya, his affiliation with the International Potato Center (CIP) since 2015 adds practical insights to the training.
Technique Focus: Rooted Apical Cuttings
The primary objective of the training was to empower scientific and technical staff and other stakeholders involved in potato seed production. The spotlight was on the “technique of rooted apical cuttings” for mini tuber production. This technique is an alternative to traditional potato seed production methods that they successfully implemented in several African countries.
Training Topics
The training sessions covered essential topics related to this innovative approach:
- Acclimatization of Tissue Culture Plantlets: Ensuring successful adaptation of tissue-cultured plantlets to field conditions.
- Rooted Apical Cuttings Technique: A step-by-step guide to producing mini tubers using this method.
- Maintaining Juvenility of Mother Plants: Understanding the importance of keeping mother plants in their optimal growth phase.
- Alternative Substrates for Minituber Production: Exploring different substrates to enhance yield and quality.
Practical Demonstration
A field-level demonstration provided participants with experience in producing mini tubers using rooted apical cuttings. This practical aspect reinforced the theoretical knowledge gained during the training.
In the dynamic landscape of agriculture, embracing innovative techniques like rooted apical cuttings contributes to resilient and sustainable potato seed production. As stakeholders continue to collaborate and learn, the future of farming looks promising.
