Introduction and use of potato varieties Citlali and Ameyali in home gardens in Zinacantepec, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To introduce and evaluate the performance of the Citlali and Ameyali potato varieties in agroecologically managed home gardens within a rural community, compared to the Dutch variety Fianna. Design/Methodology/Approach: A randomized block design was implemented, using home gardens as experimental units. Three agricultural cycles were conducted: Cycle one (March-July 2022), cycle two (October–December 2022), and cycle three (June-September 2023). Results: No significant differences were found in fresh tuber weight per plant among the varieties tested. In the first cycle, yields from Ameyali and Citlali did not differ significantly. However, in cycles two and three, statistically significant differences were observed. Yields decreased in Citlali and Fianna during these cycles due to damage caused by late blight, which affected both foliage and tubers. In contrast, Ameyali demonstrated greater tolerance to late blight. Findings/Conclusions: Potato production in agroecologically managed home gardens is feasible for small-scale producers in San Antonio Acahualco, Zinacantepec, particularly when using varieties tolerant to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and Bactericera cockerelli.