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Diseases, Viruses, Pests
The ullucus is popular among Andean farmers for not having pest and disease issues. However, it has the potential to be host to viruses such as Tymovirus. The Tymovirus is similar to the Andean potato latent virus. This could threaten potato crops, as well as other crops in the Solanaceae family (tomatoes, aubergines, peppers). Other species in the Amaranthaceae family (spinach, beet, quinoa) and Chenopodiaceae family (cucumber, squash) may also be at risk. These viruses pose no risk to human or animal health. The ulluco can be legally imported to the EU with a phyosanitary certificate, but caution is advised. Other viruses of ulluco include the Arracacha virus A, Papaya mosaic virus, Potato leaf roll virus, Potato virus T, Ulluco mild mosaic virus, Ulluco mosaic virus, and Ulluco virus C. Most heirloom ulluco have diseases, but if cultivated from a seed these can be avoided. Ullucus cultivated from clean seed tubers can increase yield by 30-50%. There are clones being developed to eliminate viruses, and these also have been shown to raise yields by 30-50%. The ulluco is susceptible to Verticillium wilt, a soil organism, at low altitudes and high temperatures. There are fumigants available to fight Verticillium, or, for organic farmers, annual rotations into soil that has not been infected for 2-3 years. Ulluco is also susceptible to Rhizoctonia solani, though not as susceptible as the potato. This pathogen can reduce the amount and quality of the yield. Slugs and snails are common pests, though generally only cause cosmetic damage to the ulluco.

Breeding aims, genetics
The ullucus has a limited ability to produce a seed. This low fertility poses a challenge when trying to breed this crop. This infertility is thought to be due to the long history of cultivation by planting tubers. However, the ullucus has high genetic diversity, in terms of color, protein content, and tuber yield. It is thought this diversity arises from somatic mutations or from sexual regeneration. There is room for genetic improvement if the ullucus were to become a more widespread crop, including a potential for reproduction via seeds, and for cultivation in other parts of the world besides the Andes.

Research needs
There may be potential for much higher yields of ullucus and a larger role in the world food system. Potential research into virus free varieties, the photoperiod, and seed producing varieties could expedite this. This could allow for manipulation of colors and other genetic factors. This could also lead to an increased adaptability for ullucus to be grown around the world.