Use of affordable net tunnels and decentralized inspection schemes in improving sweet-potato seed system management

Ogero1, K.O., Jeremiah2, S.C., and McEwan3, M.

1) International Potato Center (CIP)- Tanzania, C/o LZARDI, P.O Box 1433, Mwanza, Tanzania.

2) Lake Zone Agricultural Research and Development Institute (LZARDI), P.O Box 1433, Mwanza, Tanzania.

3) CIP-Nairobi, P.O Box 25171-00603, Nairobi, Kenya.

*Corresponding author, email: ; Registrant ID# 4512

Sweet-potato production in sub-Saharan Africa is hampered by high incidences of virus diseases which can cause up to 98% yield losses. Farmers are encouraged to use clean tissue cultured (TC) planting material. However, these may not always be accessible to the majority of smallholder farmers. It is therefore important to have a reliable decentralized system where farmer multipliers can maintain clean planting material. Multipliers can use insect proof net tunnels to protect their planting material from attack by virus vectors. The technology is currently in the third year of validation in Tanzania and Uganda. Decentralized Vine Multipliers (DVMs) were supported to construct net tunnels and to maintain virus indexed TC planting material inside. They were also equipped with knowledge and practices on vine conservation, quality management and business enterprise skills. To verify the quality of seed production farmer multipliers, extension officers and regulators were trained on the use of appropriate standards and inspection protocols for production of quality declared seed (QDS). Ninety one new DVMs (67 in Tanzania and 24 in Uganda) were established and 140 net tunnels (92 in Tanzania and 48 in Uganda) constructed. This system has so far produced and distributed more than 3,702,700 thirty centimeter long vines of seven varieties. Additionally, Tanzania is in the final stages of gazetting standards that will guide production of quality planting material. Successful adoption of the net tunnels and implementation of the standards will limit the spread of plant borne diseases hence contribute to increased food security.

Key words: Decentralized, farmer multipliers, net tunnels, inspection protocols