Apoyo Técnico para la Certificación Fitosanitaria de Semilla de Papa Libre de Virus para la Mejora de la Productividad y Sostenibilidad en la Zona Norte de Cartago

The project “Technical Support for the Phytosanitary Certification of Virus-Free Potato Seed to Improve
Productivity and Sustainability in the Northern Zone of Cartago” targets eight plantations of potato
producers organized in local agricultural associations. These producers will serve as the foundation for
transferring knowledge on the preventive detection and management of viral diseases. This sector
faces a high prevalence of viruses such as PVX, PVY, and PLRV in their seed and wholesale crops,
which reduces productivity by up to 80% and impacts the local economy. Without an effective
identification system and with limited support for the certification of virus-free plant materials, producers
cannot ensure the quality of their products, negatively affecting prices and the sustainability of their
businesses. This project will address the problem through an initial diagnosis of the prevalence of PVX,
PVY, and PLRV viruses in vegetative potato seeds. It will also provide training to producers in virus
identification and management techniques, sample collection and analysis as preventive measures,
and support the molecular analysis process for issuing phytosanitary certificates for the seed.
Additionally, it aims to join the establishment of support networks for these producers. The objective is
to improve the productivity and quality of potato crops, increase the competitiveness of producers,
promote agricultural sustainability, and strengthen local technical capacity. The project will enhance
the ties of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) with the community and contribute to the
economic and social development of the Cartago region

Biotecnología Vegetal