The Response Tuber Quality to Selected Potato Cultivars, Different Mulch, and Fungicide Applications under Various Localities

Potato plays a huge role in addressing food security in lower-income countries; however, smallholder substandard agronomic practices compromise potato tuber quality. This study was conducted in a smallholder setting to determine effective agronomic practices that can improve potato tuber quality. Four potato cultivars (Sababa, Mondial, Electra, and Panamera), two different levels of mulch (no mulch and mulch), and fungicides (sprayed and unsprayed) were laid out in a randomized complete block design under five localities (Mbalenhle, Hlathikhulu, Mbhava, Stezi, and Gobizembe) for two seasons (2022/23 and 2023/24). Tuber quality traits and nutrient reference values were assessed on protein, fat, dry matter, starch carbohydrates, and energy. The results revealed integration of late maturing cultivars (Panamera) with mulch application and fungicide spraying, and Electra with application of mulch and fungicide (for 2023/24 season only) improved dry matter content. Also tubers that had higher dry matter content resulted in higher starch, carbohydrate content, and energy. Sababa has the lowest nutritional profile for all traits across localities. Overall, mulch application was found to have an insignificant effect on the tuber quality. Hence, it can be suggested that farmers can improve potato tuber quality by adopting Electra and Panamera with the application of fungicides; this combination works together to improve plant health and facilitate the uptake of soil nutrients, which boost plant growth and development.