Technical and Economic Analysis of Aeroponics and other Systems for Potato Mini-Tuber Production in Latin America

Abstract

Producing large quantities of high quality minitubers at low cost is essential for an economically viable supply of seed potatoes. Here we systematize the technical and economic aspects of aeroponics and provide a benchmark comparison of this technology with other mini-tuber production systems as developed in Latin America: conventional, semi-hydroponics, and fiber-cement tiles technology. Research methodologies included: 3-year registration of cash flows and production registers of aeroponics, economic and technical surveys, in-depth inquiry with managers of technologies. Results show that aeroponics as promoted by

Growth Responses and Root Characteristics of Lettuce Grown in Aeroponics, Hydroponics, and Substrate Culture

“…If the roots of plants in aeroponics can absorb nutrients and water readily, better growth of the above-ground part will result. However, the major disadvantage of aeroponics is the possibility of irreversible damage or complete loss, since there is no substrate at all (neither solid nor water) that could enable the plants to survive in the event of a technical or power failure [7,9]. During our experiment, there was a one-day mechanical breakdown of the aeroponic system, which could also have affected growth.…”

“…However, aeroponics has been increasingly used for growing numerous vegetable crops such as lettuce, cucumber, melon, tomato, herbs, potato, and floral crops, and especially for those crops where roots are harvested as the end product. Seed potato production may be the most successful application of aeroponics on a commercial scale, done mostly in China, Korea, South America, and African countries in recent years [7][8][9][10]. Aeroponics is able to produce large numbers of minitubers in one generation that can be harvested sequentially, eliminating the need for field production, thereby reducing costs and saving time [7].…”

Genotype by Environment Effects on Potato Mini-Tuber Seed Production in an Aeroponics System

“…Aeroponics for potato mini-tuber production is practiced throughout the world, including in Asia, Europe and Latin America for research purposes and commercial seeds production [10]. A commonality in all production environments relates to the strong influence of genotype, environment and genotype by environment interaction on yield [11,12].…”

Nutrients Formulation for Improving Production and Quality of Potato Minitubers Using Aeroponic System in Indonesia

“…The roots are hanging, then the solution is sprayed from the bottom through the sprinkler and the roots will absorb the nutrients [7], [8]. Aeroponic system has several benefits, such as high productions, invulnerable to systemic plant diseases, independent on seasonal climates, and enhanced continuous productions [9], [10], [11], [12]. In aeroponic system, the crops need water contained nutrients as a source of food, therefore the use of soil as a medium is not required [6], [13], [14].…”