Panama

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in Panama is concentrated almost entirely in the country’s highland environments, particularly Tierras Altas in Chiriquí Province, with Cerro Punta and Boquete serving as the principal production areas. The cool conditions of these high-elevation zones allow potatoes to be grown throughout much of the year, unlike most of Panama’s warmer lowland areas. The crop is an important source of income for highland farming communities and contributes to the domestic supply of fresh potatoes.

Panama’s commercial potato sector is relatively small but productive. IDIAP reports that the crop occupies around 1,000 hectares, with more than 350 producers involved, while the yield potential in Tierras Altas can exceed 50 tonnes per hectare compared with a national average of about 23 tonnes per hectare in the agency’s project assessment. Production is primarily directed toward the domestic market. Granola has historically been the dominant variety, although other cultivars such as Defender and IDIAP Roja 17 are also grown.

Potato production in Panama faces challenges related to seed availability, production costs, pests and diseases. Important constraints include late blight (Phytophthora infestans), potato tuber moth (Tecia solanivora), leafminer and bacterial diseases. Imported seed has traditionally played an important role, although IDIAP and producers are increasingly developing domestic seed production systems using tissue culture, in-vitro multiplication, autotrophic hydroponic systems and protected production of Mini tubers. Breeding and selection programs are also evaluating materials for higher yield, disease resistance, heat tolerance and consumer acceptable tuber quality.

Potato cultivation in Panama developed as a specialized highland crop rather than a widely distributed national crop. The principal production areas became established in the cooler highlands of Chiriquí, especially around Cerro Punta and Boquete. Over time, the sector became increasingly dependent on improved planting material and introduced varieties adapted to the local highland environment. IDIAP has been involved in potato research for decades, including variety evaluation, integrated pest and disease management, seed production and adaptation of foreign germplasm.

A major focus of Panama’s more recent potato development has been reducing dependence on imported seed and developing varieties suited to local conditions. Earlier IDIAP work resulted in varieties including IDIAP-92, IDIAFRIT and IDIAP Roja 17, while additional cultivars and breeding materials have been evaluated from international sources, including the International Potato Center (CIP) and INIA Uruguay. More recently, IDIAP has promoted cultivars such as Karu and Patagonia INIA, which have shown resistance to late blight and yields of up to 50 tonnes per hectare under Tierras Altas conditions. In 2025, the institute continued efforts to expand national seed production, with the objective of reducing imports and improving the availability of quality seed for producers.