High levels of compounds with insecticidal properties explain the virtual absence of pests and diseases in the crop. Although few pests or diseases effect mashua, it is often heavily infected with plant viruses. The Tropaeolum mosaic potyvirus found affecting mashua has recently been described and traced throughout the whole range of the cultivated tuber. The virus is often spread through the tuber propagation. There are a few virus resistant varities of T. tuberosum being grown experimentally and their success will determine if mashua will be a crop more widely accepted worldwide for cultivation.
Tubers fail to form under longer days.
Daylight sensitivity may limit its widespread adoption until insensitive strains can be further cultivated. The nutritional value of mashua is high. The nutritional content of mashua is good when compared with other staple root and tuber crops eaten around the world. Although the tubers of mashua have a high nutritional content it is not as palatable as other tubers and tends to be abandoned more readily when people have access to other foods. The preparation and consumption of mashua vary within countries and cultural groups.