Potatoes are one of the world's key food crops. Their nutritional value, and the fact that they can be grown with relatively few inputs in a wide range of environments, makes them an important food security crop. However, yields in developing countries are held back by factors such as poor cultivation practices and the impact of pests and diseases, whilst more intensive systems need to become more 'climate smart' both to minimise their environmental impact and adapt to climate change. This volume looks at key research on improving cultivation techniques at each stage in the value chain for potato production. Chapters in Part 1 range from modelling growth to nutrient and irrigation management as well as post-harvest storage. Part 2 reviews advances in understanding and managing fungal, bacterial and viral diseases as well as the management of insect and nematode pests. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for potato scientists, growers, government and non-government agencies supporting potato cultivation. Volume 1 looks at breeding and aspects of quality.

Irrigated agriculture accounts for around 70% of global water use. However, an estimated 60% of irrigated cropland remains highly water-stressed, a problem intensified by the effects of climate change. Improving water management in agriculture considers ways of addressing this challenge. It reviews advances in monitoring and optimizing irrigation efficiency, ways of retaining and re-using water resources as well as how farmers can work collaboratively with other stakeholders to manage watersheds more sustainably. The book highlights key areas where innovation is required to ensure that water use is optimised at farm and watershed scales. The book encourages farmers to reassess their current irrigation models and implement alternative practices which improve efficiency with a reduced environmental impact.