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Post by macmex on Apr 15, 2011 6:33:01 GMT -8
Okay, here's some of what is in that Peruvian page. Also, beside the link I gave above, I'll mention that the author did this work for an agroindustrial company:
ALNICOLSA PRODUCTOS AGROINDUSTRIALES VENTANILLA - CALLAO (PERÚ) Telefax.511. 553.0981. E-mail. lebr7@yahoo.com
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Post by macmex on Apr 15, 2011 6:38:00 GMT -8
Native to the Andes (the potato) belongs to the same family of plants as tobacco and tomatoes. It's use and consumption were perfected over centuries by natives of the region. Though one of the first references to it came from the Spanish chronicler Bernabé Cobo, who christened it a "Indian Bread." It's millennial presence is evidenced, for example, in archaeological digs which indicate that the potato was part of the diet of ancient Peruvians. (It appears on) pottery of the Moche cultures (1st through 6th century and of the Chimú (9th through 13th century). Some rural mountain folk indicate that from very ancient times. Peruvians dehydrated the potato in order to consume it in the form of "chuño," "moraya" or "tunta." in this manner they were able to use and preserve the bitter tubers. When the Spaniards invaded Peru the potato was a highly developed plant, as were the agricultural techniques for it's production.
These days, Peruvian cookery, the result of the coming together of two great 16th century culinary traditions -the Spanish and the Andean - is the best exponent of the valuable contribution of this product for the elaboration of dishes as exquisite as Carapulcara (Peruvian stew made with peanuts, dried potatoes, chiles & cumin) and Indian porridge based on dried potatoes, to which the Iberians added ingredients such as port, onion and garlic, and the black peanut; a complete delight. But let us return to the protagonist of this story.
In Peruvian territory on encounters the largest quantity of potato species known in the world. Peru is the country with the greatest potato diversity in the world, having eight native domesticated species and 2,301 of the more than 4,000 varieties which exist in Latin America. Furthermore, our country possesses 91 of the 200 species which grow in the wild in our entire continent (and which generally are not edible).
Presently in Peru (the potato) is the main crop of the nation in planted area and represents 25% of the gross agricultural product. It is the basis of nutrition of the Andean region and is produced by 600,000 small agricultural units. The potato is competitive with wheat and rice in the people's diet. It is a product which in every 100 grams contains 78 grams of moisture, 18.5 grams of starch and is rich in Potassium (560 mg) and vitamin C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- An old Andean legend tells us that the people who cultivated quinoa domineered over the people of the highlands for many years, and that with the goal of letting them die slowly, they kept cutting the food ration for them and their children. Being on the edge of death these poor people called out to Heaven and God gave them some fleshy round seed, which, being planted turned into beautiful plants which dyed ones frozen fists red with their flowers. The oppressors did not oppose the cultivation (of the potato) as they had the vicious (full of vice or corruption) hope of harvesting it all for themselves. as the opportunity would arrive. In fact, when the plants yellowed and the fruit appeared ripe, the oppressors harvested the fields and took everything which they deemed to be an optimal harvest.
Heartsick and dying of hunger the defeat (highlanders) again asked for clemency from Heaven and again, they were told from on high, " Dig in the soil and remove the fruit which I have hidden in order to mock evil men and exalt the good. And that's how it went. Under the soil were beautiful potatoes which were collected and hidden in strict secrecy. Every morning the men of the fists added a portion of potatoes to their poor diet and soon they were reestablished. They became strong and attacked the invaders, who being defeated, fled, never to return to disturb the peace of the mountains.
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Post by Tom Wagner on Apr 15, 2011 13:11:28 GMT -8
Thanks for posting about the history of the potato. For a new member of just the past week, I appreciate how Macmex enlightened us a bit more on the history of potatoes.
That history just reminds me how I can trying to connect with that history little by little. Yesterday I seeded five kinds of quinoa...about 400 seeds for eventual transplanting to the field for producing lots of seed of each. I will sow more seed of course, but even if the quinoa only produces 1/10 of potential yields for me...I could end up with about 40 lbs. of seed...certainly enough to offer in my online website.
Father Bernabe Cobo made some great observations during the early Spanish conquest of Peru...and I decided to go to Amazon.com and order his book for $1.27 plus shipping. Here is the title.....
History of the Inca Empire: An Account of the Indians' Customs and Their Origin, Together with a Treatise on Inca Legends, History, and Social Institutions (Texas Pan American Series) by Father Bernabe Cobo
I can read Spanish but there are always words that are unfamiliar with me for exact meaning...so this book in English is a good library addition for me.
The old greenhouse I am repairing for my use is unheated....but my potato seedlings I transplanted three days ago are thriving well and I expect the quinoa is sprout well next to the many hundreds of them. Mindful of the fact we are still getting frosty nights and daytime temps in the 40's. With the incessant rains the sun does not heat the greenhouse much and my poor tomatoes are suffering, but not my potatoes!
I planted 12 kinds of corn in the greenhouse for crossing work and will sow squash, beans in the greenhouse soon for early seed increase work.
Do I expect to eat nothing but tomatoes, potatoes, quinoa, beans, squash, and corn someday? No, but as a contingent element of my seed site...I must offer some guidance on food security that dovetails with a workable plant breeding entity.
Pardon me why I answer the door bell...oh, great....9 more potato varieties of about 50 lbs. and that after over 200 varieties came in yesterday. All requested for breeding purposes as if I didn't have enough varieties already.
Tom Wagner
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Post by owiebrain on Apr 16, 2011 5:58:37 GMT -8
Tom, you clearly need a few more hobbies. George, thank you so very much for the human translation! My horribly rusty Spanish tried to work through it but, in the end, I resorted to online translators and we all know how well those things work. I love reading about the cultural and historical sides of things so greatly appreciate you doing that. Thanks!
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Post by cortona on Apr 16, 2011 13:04:09 GMT -8
greath article, thanks for the translation...i realy apreciate it, realy interesting and it enlight a bit a word of old traditions, story and antropology!
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Post by indyartist on Apr 17, 2011 4:37:45 GMT -8
I ordered two types of TPS after finding Tom's site thinking I would plant them next year as my 2011 garden was planned with no area for potatoes. Well, I thought I'll just put some in a tray and see how they do and maybe squeeze in a plant or two somewhere with next year being a more planned attempt at potatoes. I now have excellent germination and fine starts of three types of TPS: Lady Krokar La Pan and Skagit Magic which Tom sent as a bonus. Now I'm looking around my yard where I can plow up a row for these starts, as it will be very difficult to wait until next year and throw away these little fellows. It helps that I have a very understanding beautiful Greek wife and that she loves to cook.
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Post by wmontanez on Apr 17, 2011 5:23:04 GMT -8
indyartist, consider a container...easy to move around
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Post by Tom Wagner on Apr 17, 2011 9:09:55 GMT -8
Indy, Thanks for the photos It seems I am becoming the Purveyor of true potato seeds but with that moniker...I feel I must explain details of TPS that few can do. The seed that Indy ordered...Lady Krokar and La Pan are both going to throw many fingerling types of tubers. The original Roda Krokar and La Ratte are Scandinavian fingerlings of remarkably different textures. Roda Krokar's TPS back in '06 was likely a cross from unknown male pollen as Lady Krokar has a number of traits unlike Roda Krokar; namely good pollen and that means the TPS seed Indy has is recombinant. I would guess that it will be mostly floury in texture. La Pan will be both waxy and floury within the sibling family. And if I had to guess ahead....the La Pans will have far superior flavors. The Skagit Magic was thrown in because I did not know what to expect. I am pleased to see that Indy's seedling Skagit Magics are showing what I have been seeing with my own TPS seedlings. Great vigor and cotyledons that keep on growing ....thus giving the seedling a extra boost. I have about one thousand plus seedlings of Skagit Magic and I am seeing very uniform vigor throughout all of the seedlings. Additionally, I am seeing that some seedlings are showing colored skin and flesh indicators. I am hoping for the gold/orange flesh to show up again from their grandmother ...Skagit Valley Gold. Lady Krokar Here is a photo of the Roda Krokar....Lady Krokar's mother www.pflanzen-im-web.de/files/Gemuese/pflanzen-im-web-de-Kartoffel-Roda-Krokar-Solanum-tuberosum.jpgRoda Krokar Apparently, Roda Krokar is one of those closely related Scandinavian varieties grown in a wet, cool climate which needs Potato Mop Top Virus resistance, which it has... www.dpvweb.net/dpv/showfig.php?dpvno=389&figno=01 for a PMTP pix Some you may wish to read about PMTV.... webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:mTUp6L_C5twJ:www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2437.htm+potato+mop+top+virus+varieties&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&source=www.google.com The main thing one needs to know is... Chieftain is resistant to Potato Mop Top Virus! Chieftain is the predominant variety of red potatoes here in the PNW. I have been sending many folks a tuber of Chieftain as a comparison variety. Searching the European database on highly resistant varieties found Roda Krokar and a unique group of other Scandinavian varieties; perhaps related? I have grown all but one of the above and they do seem to be related in some genetic way besides high res. to PMTV. Rodbrokig is the prettiest and I have sent a tuber of this one to many folks. BTW, I cannot find the pedigree of Roda Krokar anywhere, therefore I will be searching Swedish language data for hints as to its origin. Tom Wagner "Purveyor of fine TPS " Sounds funny...but that mean I am a 'TPS Purvey'?
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Post by indyartist on Apr 17, 2011 10:02:53 GMT -8
Thanks Tom, I have a lot to learn about potato growing, having only ever grown them once from small pieces of tubers ordered from one of the major seed catalog companies ,Gurney's, Burpees or something of this nature back in 1999. I do plan on next year being a bigger potato growing adventure but I'll try my hand with these three varieties this year and perhaps improve my skills and techniques for a better result and more variety next year.
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Post by owiebrain on Apr 18, 2011 11:09:26 GMT -8
I've begun separating the TPS seedling hunks into individual cells. Blog post is here speedkin.com/2011/04/18/separating-the-tps/ but I'm going to try my hand at posting a couple of pics directly on here as well. Ooh, I think I did it! I'm such a technodummy, I easily impress myself.
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Post by wmontanez on Apr 18, 2011 14:07:40 GMT -8
Owiebrian, They are so cute! Loved the pics in your blog. I sowed my seed 3/20 and was going to pot up this weekend but had to pot up tomatoes (reaching the lights) so TPS will be next Saturday.
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Post by owiebrain on Apr 19, 2011 12:48:23 GMT -8
Thanks, Wendy. I've been closely following your TPS progress on here and Tomatoville (and just found your blog -- you should continue it!) and owe you a huge thanks for taking the time to share with us all. My TPS were started a few days after yours and they could sit a while longer before separating but busy times are coming so I wanted to get started on the larger ones while I had the time. Just today, I finally took the time to digest the info on cuttings from you and others so I bet I'll get sucked into trying that as well. (I can sleep when I'm dead, right?) Random thoughts if anyone has any input: I get that tuber seed is used for cloning and that's how standard potato growing is done to keep desirable, predictable spuds going. I get that cuttings are used for rapid multiplication in cases of not having many tubers or seeds of a particular variety to work with. I get that TPS is used for breeding and starting "fresh" as far as pathogens, as well as longer-term storage. However, not being terribly experienced with potato growing, I'm beginning to wonder what other advantages & disadvantages there are to each method. I guess I'm just trying to figure out the big picture, how each growing method fits into my overall food production plan (as a mere family gardener) down the road, after the honeymoon is over. I'm sure I'm not being very clear here but I'm being attacked by a cranky toddler. I'll try again at a later, calmer time if no one understands my rambling by then.
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Post by wmontanez on Apr 19, 2011 16:56:25 GMT -8
Owiebrian, Thanks, love to share the little I've learn or know. I am not good with blogs! I started one in spanish that got more pics and ramblings chacraorganica.wordpress.com/category/papas/ ....but got too busy with a full time job and my ever increasing vegetable growing activities. I will try to keep at least the potato section going this summer. Now if you like the cuttings idea, wait...I tried to pull sprouts as well...waiting to have couple more for pictures TPS. The plus for me...Diversity,Ease to store seed and free of pathogens in the seed tubers. But what I like is the discovery. They are hybrid and will segregate to show more than one sibling with perhaps unique flavors from it's ancestry or by design (Tom's breeding) or by chance (OP pollination). Also you could be more involved in the process of selecting what food you want to eat or to choose what to keep depending of what you value most like taste, use, storageability, weather resilience and looks. I don't like to have so little choice with the food supply. The fun part is to find one to keep to clone the next season. My segregation of blue (selfed) showed at least 2 promising good flavor potatoes. Now one is winning for storagebility+taste in my weather. With Tom's clones from his breeding work and his TPS the possibilities are more exciting. I sometimes have no idea what I will grow and part of the thrill is to help somehow find a winner new potato. W.
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joseph
Junior Member
Market farmer
Posts: 57
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Post by joseph on Apr 20, 2011 9:51:19 GMT -8
I get that tuber seed is used for cloning and that's how standard potato growing is done to keep desirable, predictable spuds going. I get that cuttings are used for rapid multiplication in cases of not having many tubers or seeds of a particular variety to work with. I get that TPS is used for breeding and starting "fresh" as far as pathogens, as well as longer-term storage. However, not being terribly experienced with potato growing, I'm beginning to wonder what other advantages & disadvantages there are to each method. In my garden with it's very short growing season and being too dry for blights to thrive, the best performing first year seedlings produce lower yields (by weight) than hills planted as second year tubers. (I can put the tubers in the ground 6 weeks before I dare put seedlings out.) Growing seedlings indoors for 8 weeks before transplanting is more work than planting tubers. A direct seeded potato that produced seeds and an acceptable tuber harvest in my fields the first year would be really clever. That is one of the goals of my potato breeding project.
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Post by owiebrain on Apr 21, 2011 12:09:25 GMT -8
Wendy, I can't wait for your updates on cuttings! Yesterday, I set three small tubers each of five varieties in moist mix to try my hand at harvesting the rooted sprouts. I only had six tubers of each of these particular varieties so I'm hoping to increase the number of plants I can set out. Of course, I never finished reading how exactly to place them so I did as I've done with sweet potatoes in the past and sort of half-buried them. I figure I'll do more reading today and, if I find they need to be completely buried, I'll just toss more mix on top. Easy peasy.
Diversity -- yes. I love the diversity from TPS and other veggies. As an example, I'm growing out 60-65 varieties of tomatoes this year and have done large amounts for years. I love experimenting each year and will continue to do so forever, I'm sure, but I keep some of the same, dependable ones for production & flavor each year. However, you know how you get that rabid excitement when you start something completely new to you? At least that's how I work. Eventually, rational thoughts will return and I'll have to plan how best to use each growing/propagating method so as to make the best use of my space and time, while still leaving room for fun experimentation. This year, I'm just going all willy-nilly, spur of the moment and enjoying the fun without a plan (in regards to the potatoes).
Joseph, that's a good point and one I need to figure into my plans. I need to be able to depend upon a certain amount of harvest (as much as one can "count" on anything in the gardening world). So I'll come up with a certain percentage of potato space reserved for tubers, some for TPS, and maybe some for cuttings should that prove successful for me. Then again, it's the unsuccessful stuff that often proves the most tempting -- keep trying until it's right.
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