The potential for production of high quality seed potatoes in Tierra del Fuego Island, Argentina

In Argentina, different areas are suitable for seed potato production; howe ver, each has particular problems, mainly related to different pest and dis eases. Tierra del Fuego Island is well isolated from traditional potato gro wing areas. Therefore, it was tested for its potential for seed production. The cultivars Achatt, Mailen INTA, Pampeana INTA and Spunta were grown in R io Grande, San Pablo and Ushuaia from 1991-1994. Nematode presence and aphi d population dynamics were recorded. Average tuber yield ranged from 20.1-3 7.6 t ha(-1). After three years PVY and PLRV remained low (0-1% for differe nt cultivars and locations). Moreover, seed tubers obtained were physiologi cally young. Long days, early frosts and strong winds may limit tuber yield in some years. The island can be considered as an ecological "safe haven" and is very suitable to obtain healthy and physiologically adequate seed po tatoes.