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| UMM Potato Seeds' rooted apical cuttings produce superior potato seeds (Photo: Special) |
Innovation after innovation continues being developed by the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). One of them is UMM Potato Seeds, which develops a high-quality potato seed that aims to increase the production and income of potato farmers and seed breeders. The development is conducted through the Pengembangan Usaha Kampus (PUK) program.
UMM Potato Seeds Manager Dr. Ir. Syarif Husen, M.P., explained that there are many advantages to using rooted potato shoot cuttings. In Indonesia, the use of rooted apical cuttings has not been widely used by seed breeders and potato farmers. Rooted apical cuttings are potato seeds produced by cutting potato mother plants in a screen house.
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Partnering with UD. Sumber Tani, Syarif, as the chief executive of PUK, applied the technology in the Bromo Region, namely in Tosari District, Pasuruan Regency, where the partner is located. During the process, the screen net was used to acclimatize potato-type seeds in the form of planlets, which came from the UMM Potato Seeds in Vitro Culture Laboratory.
Syarif explained that rooted shoot cuttings have several advantages. For example, the production time is faster at around one month compared to the 4-5 months for tuber seeds. The price is also more affordable (20 million/ha) compared to tuber seeds (40 million/ha). While tuber seeds require storage, root shoot cuttings do not. In addition, plant growth is more uniform, varietal correctness (true off-type) is guaranteed, harvesting is also faster at around 90-100 days after planting, and planting is easier during the rainy season.
“Rooted apical cuttings are an innovation that can overcome potato farmers' problems related to the high cost of seed. Rooted apical cuttings have the advantage of much faster seed procurement and a relatively more affordable price compared to tuber seeds,” he said.
Nowadays, rooted apical cuttings technology has been widely applied by major potato-producing countries such as Kenya and India. Compared to these two countries, this technology is not very popular in Indonesia. Therefore, there is a need to develop rooted apical cuttings technology in Indonesia, especially in potato production centers.
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The production of rooted apical cuttings begins with the acclimatization of seed potato breeders in a screen house, resulting in potato mother plants. From the potato main plant, the cuttings are planted on the planting media in a potty. After being treated for three weeks, rooted apical cuttings can be used.
Syarif hopes that the innovation of rooted apical cuttings technology can contribute directly to meeting the need for potatoes in Indonesia. Moreover, the price of seeds from rooted apical cuttings is much more affordable. This is expected to increase the income of local potato farmers. In addition, it can also reduce the percentage of potato imports in Indonesia. (*/zaf/wil/put)
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