Peru is moving two conventionally bred, iron-rich potato varieties into certified seed production after decades of research. The science is promising: a controlled trial found that meals made from an iron-biofortified potato delivered substantially more absorbed iron than a conventional comparison. Yet breeding is only the beginning. Seed availability, farmer confidence, culinary acceptance, affordability and public-health coordination will determine whether a better tuber becomes measurably better nutrition for Andean families.
Across Regions
Elea: Insights from the PEF Advantage Day and where PEF is heading next
Elea Technology is showcasing its advancements in pulsed electric field (PEF) technology through various projects, including its insights from PEF Advantage Day 2026 and participation in WCE 2026. The event highlighted new process monitoring developments, featuring the PiCon Sense and PiCon Vision systems. Elea is collaborating with Kiron Food Processing Technologies to enhance potato processing in India. Upcoming events will provide opportunities to discuss PEF applications and innovations in food processing.
Beyond the congress hall: Will Kenya 2026 leave a lasting potato legacy?
From 26 to 30 October, the World Potato Congress will meet in Kenya—the first edition held in sub-Saharan Africa. Delegates from 62 countries are already registered, but the event’s significance extends beyond attendance figures. Its lasting value will depend on whether global science, investment and technology connect with farmers’ everyday constraints, and whether African growers, researchers, young people and businesses help set the agenda rather than merely host it there.
Salt in the root zone: An emerging test for global potato production
Soil salinity is quietly reducing potato performance in irrigated and coastal production regions, often before obvious symptoms appear. New research suggests that zinc and phosphorus may help certain potato genotypes withstand salt stress, but it is not yet a field-ready prescription. The larger lesson is practical: test water and soil, understand where salts accumulate, protect drainage and match varieties and nutrients to the root-zone problem before yields begin to disappear.
Potatoes, humane farming and the wider circle of care
Potatoes may seem far removed from animal welfare, but they occupy an important place in the wider conversation about humane farming. As organisations such as Mercy For Animals support farmers seeking alternatives to industrial animal agriculture through initiatives like The Transfarmation Project, the potato sector has an opportunity to contribute practical crop knowledge, market insight and solidarity rooted in farmer dignity, food security and responsible land stewardship.
PapaDX moves beyond photo diagnosis as AI assistant learns the history of individual potato fields
PapaDX, an AI-driven app developed in Argentina, has expanded from basic image-based crop diagnosis to a comprehensive digital assistant for potato growers. Its new features include field-specific memory tracking, Growing Degree Days monitoring, and a weed identification function. These updates enhance crop management by anticipating risks and contextualizing field history, marking a shift from reactive diagnosis to proactive support, ultimately aiming to empower growers in potato production.
How cold chain logistics helps reduce waste in fresh and frozen potato distribution
Potatoes are vital to global food supply, yet significant amounts spoil before reaching consumers due to inadequate cold chain logistics. Effective temperature and humidity control from harvest to storage is crucial to minimize degradation and sprouting. Cold storage and consistent monitoring throughout transportation prevent quality loss. Implementing efficient cold chain practices reduces waste, benefiting both profitability and sustainability, while enhancing potato supply chain resilience for manufacturers and distributors.
What the canopy cannot tell us: Heat damage hidden inside the potato ridge
Recent potato losses in East Asia due to extreme heat highlight significant production risks. South Korean grower Lee Sang-hyuk discovered that potatoes, seemingly healthy above ground, were damaged beneath the surface during a heatwave. The temperatures disrupt tuber formation, impacting yield and quality. The findings emphasize that managing soil temperature and moisture is crucial, as traditional measurements may not reflect the conditions tubers experience, leading to hidden crop losses.
Can a digital twin support potato irrigation without permanent field sensors?
AGORÀ, developed by VAIMEE, helps potato growers optimize irrigation decisions by integrating crop, soil, weather, and management data. This decision-support system updates daily and can predict irrigation needs for up to three days ahead, relying on existing field data. A 2026 assessment in Italy compared AGORÀ’s recommendations with actual irrigation events, exploring various configurations to enhance timing, while keeping the grower involved in final decisions. The study didn’t assess the impact on crop yield or quality.
Holding the ground: Why soil retention is becoming a potato production priority
Potato production faces significant soil loss due to runoff, wind, and harvesting, which impacts fertility and future yields. A 2025 incident in Somerset highlighted this issue when a grower faced over £40,000 in costs due to soil erosion. Effective soil management strategies include understanding field conditions and using cover crops, but growers often underestimate these losses, which diminish soil quality and agricultural sustainability. Soil retention must be prioritized alongside crop production.
El Niño warning intensifies as India’s potato season approaches
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts nearly 100% probability that the current El Niño event will persist into early 2027, raising concerns for potato production in India amid a deepening monsoon deficit. While the impact of El Niño varies regionally, farmers may face increased irrigation needs and potential crop stress due to below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures, heightening production risks without confirming loss projections.
Same variety, different crop: Why seed-tuber age deserves more attention
Physiological age significantly affects seed tuber performance, but current measurement methods for growers are inadequate. Although seed tubers may appear similar, their internal developmental conditions can lead to varying crop outcomes. A 2026 scientific review highlights the lack of fast, reliable tests and suggests that physiological readiness should complement traditional seed quality assessments. The industry must better understand and manage the biological condition of seed for optimal growth.
‘One drop at a time’, part 4: Why drip remains an outsider in North American potato country
Potato growers across North America face increasing pressure to optimize water usage, with alternatives like drip irrigation and centre pivots vying for efficacy. Drip irrigation is recognized for precision but competes with well-established centre pivots that suit large-scale operations. The suitability of each system varies regionally, influenced by factors like soil type and water availability. Factors such as operational efficiency, costs, and environmental impacts must be weighed to determine the best irrigation approach for specific situations.
‘One drop at a time’, part 3: When the irrigation system learns to listen
Potato growers are increasingly utilizing sensors, weather data, and automated controls to enhance drip irrigation efficiency. However, the synthesis of these technologies with sound agronomy is essential for optimal decision-making. Recent trials in the UK illustrate the importance of precise irrigation management tailored to soil conditions. While automation offers promise, human judgment remains crucial in managing water usage amid changing climates, ensuring sustainable practices.
‘One drop at a time’, part 2: Can drip irrigation work on a commercial potato farm?
Drip irrigation has shown potential to reduce water use and increase potato yield in Britain, but its successful implementation involves careful engineering and integration with existing farming practices. A trial indicated a 25% reduction in water use and an 18% yield increase, yet results may vary by context. Effective management, precise tape placement, and continuous monitoring are crucial for maximizing benefits while addressing the operational challenges faced by growers.
‘One drop at a time’, part 1: What drip irrigation can offer the potato crop
The article discusses the benefits and challenges of drip irrigation in potato production. While it allows precise water and nutrient delivery, effective use relies on proper management and design. Maintaining stable soil moisture is critical during tuber initiation and bulking, as both under and over-watering can negatively impact yields. Different soil types affect the wetting pattern, necessitating tailored approaches. Fertigation enhances nutrient management, but precision is vital to avoid errors.
Drought, deluge and disease: How El Niño is reshaping the global potato outlook
The 2026-27 El Niño is rapidly intensifying, posing diverse threats to global potato production. Regions like India and Peru face risks from drought and flooding, while Europe experiences severe crop damage from heat and dryness, with uncertain attribution to El Niño. Each region’s unique climatic conditions necessitate careful monitoring of weather patterns and risk management strategies to mitigate agricultural stress and potential market disruptions.
McCain’s inaugural global ‘Spud Report’ finds fries crossing cultures, generations and borders
A McCain Foods survey of over 12,000 adults from 11 countries revealed that French fries are the most favored potato dish globally. The Spud Report highlighted fries’ emotional significance as comfort food linked to happiness and social interactions. Findings showed cultural variations in consumption patterns, with fries seen as snacks in India and China, while other nations viewed them as meal accompaniments. McCain intends to implement regenerative agriculture practices by 2030, linking consumer preferences to farming practices.
The seed looked clean. The test said otherwise: Oregon study exposes a hidden potato disease pathway
A nine-year study from Oregon State University revealed that seed potatoes appearing healthy can carry hidden pathogens, including the powdery scab pathogen and potato mop-top virus, without showing visible symptoms. The study suggests visual inspections alone are inadequate for detecting these risks, advocating for targeted molecular testing to enhance seed certification and protect agricultural fields from hidden threats. Findings carry implications for the broader potato industry.
PapaDX brings AI-assisted potato crop diagnosis and weather alerts to the field
Aconcagua Digital has launched PapaDX, a mobile application for potato growers that analyzes crop photographs to diagnose health issues using AI technology. Released in August 2026, it offers confidence ratings and management suggestions based on identified diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. In addition to visual assessments, PapaDX provides weather alerts to predict disease risk. While a useful tool, it should not replace professional consultation for accurate diagnoses.
Why does potato breeding really take so long? The genetics behind a 15-year problem
The potato breeding process typically spans about 15 years due to various biological and operational bottlenecks. Factors such as the complex genetics of highly heterozygous potatoes, the vegetative multiplication of commercial varieties, and the intricacies of evaluating traits contribute to the timeline. Innovations like genotyping, diploid breeding, and fixation-restitution methods aim to streamline these processes, enhancing efficiency and potentially shortening the time taken to deliver new varieties to growers.
‘The cost of being late’: Ecuador’s zebra chip warning to the global potato industry
What Ecuador’s experience with zebra chip can teach the global potato industry about preparedness, diagnosis and the human cost of being late. By Lukie Pieterse, Editor/Publisher of Potato News Today On 21 August, a European potato research project published an account from Ecuador that deserves attention well beyond Europe. It was not a story about a laboratory breakthrough or a[Read More…]
The potato paradox: Why ‘low sugar’ is not the same as ‘low GI’
Potatoes contain little simple sugar, but labeling them as “low sugar” can mislead consumers regarding their blood glucose impact. The primary carbohydrate in potatoes is starch, which can significantly raise blood glucose levels after digestion. Various factors like processing, cooking methods, and potato variety influence glycaemic response. Clear, precise labeling is essential in the potato industry to help consumers understand the nutritional implications and avoid misconceptions related to terms like “low sugar” or “low GI.”
Help us share the stories shaping the global potato industry
Potato News Today invites the global potato community, including companies and researchers, to share news and articles for broader exposure. Aiming to connect valuable insights across the industry, the platform offers editorial consideration for submitted press releases and announcements. With over 12,000 readers in 120 countries, Potato News Today seeks informative content on topics like production, technology, and sustainability. The ultimate goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance awareness within the potato sector.
IDS camera technology enables precision potato sorting for professional and family-run farms
The Farmsort.one optical precision sorter revolutionizes potato classification by employing multiple IDS industrial cameras over a 1.5-metre inspection section. This system meets rising quality demands and labor shortages in agriculture by enabling multi-grade sorting based on size and quality in a single pass. It reduces manual resourcing, emphasizing repeated inspections and controlled handling, ensuring reliable assessments even in challenging conditions, thus optimizing overall throughput.

























