Research

The seed multiplication gap: Why better potato genetics still struggle to reach the grower

Potato breeding has advanced significantly with improved varieties offering disease resistance and climate resilience. However, the real challenge lies in successfully multiplying these varieties into sufficient healthy planting materials at affordable prices for growers. A lack of effective seed systems leads to disparities in yield globally. This bottleneck highlights the need for investment in systems that connect breeding advances with practical seed availability for farmers, ensuring commercial success and food security.

August 16, 2026

The pathogen is changing: Why potato disease surveillance must become a core production tool

The potato industry’s approach to crop protection is evolving due to fungicide-resistant pathogens, symptomless virus infections, and complex pathogen movement. Effective management now demands early detection and coordinated surveillance, transitioning disease identification from mere reaction to proactive monitoring. Recent experiences, such as Denmark’s handling of the resistant EU43 genotype, highlight the importance of integrating advanced forecasting, rapid diagnostics, and biosecurity protocols to protect potato crops against emerging biological threats.

August 14, 2026

Fifteen years is too long: Why the potato industry is rebuilding the road from genetic discovery to the grower’s field

The potato breeding industry faces challenges from climate change, evolving diseases, and high production costs, complicating the development of new varieties. Researchers are collaborating to improve data, enhance decision-making, and accelerate breeding. The merits of modern techniques like genomic selection and gene editing are discussed, yet traditional breeding remains critical. Successful varieties must balance yield, quality, and disease resistance while considering market acceptance and long-term sustainability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

August 12, 2026

Hydrogen-based crop chemistry: A new input-efficiency tool for potato growers?

Aqueus, a Michigan-based company, introduces hydrogen-based crop chemistry to address challenges faced by potato growers, like rising costs and environmental concerns. Their main product, Growthful, aims to enhance soil conditions and crop performance without replacing existing practices. While initial field trials show promising results, independent validation is essential. Aqueus seeks partnerships with growers and agronomists for further testing to establish transparency and trust in their claims regarding efficiency and sustainability.

June 22, 2026

MSU researchers develop 5 new potato varieties to bolster US chip supply

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed five new potato varieties aimed at enhancing the U.S. potato chip supply by increasing disease resistance, long-term storage, and processing reliability. Named Manistee, Mackinaw, Petoskey, Huron Chipper, and Blackberry, these varieties improve quality maintenance over months of storage. They are essential for Michigan, the leading potato producer for chip processing, where about 70% of the crop is used for chips, ensuring consistent supply year-round.

June 2, 2026

The secret behind indigenous Andeans’ ‘digestive superpower’ may be potatoes

A new study reveals that ancient potato farming in the Andes significantly influenced human evolution, particularly among Indigenous populations. Researchers from UCLA and the University at Buffalo found that natural selection favored Andeans with multiple copies of the AMY1 gene, enhancing starch digestion capabilities since the cultivation of potatoes 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. These findings contribute to understanding dietary adaptations in high-altitude environments.

June 2, 2026

Potatoes at the Crossroads: New book explores the future of the global potato industry

A new book by Potato News Today editor and publisher Lukie Pieterse examines the global potato industry at a critical turning point. Potatoes at the Crossroads: People, Climate and the Future of a Quietly Powerful Crop explores food security, climate change, water risk, disease pressure, storage, technology, markets, sustainability, and the human realities behind potato production. The book is now available as a softcover and eBook through Amazon.

May 25, 2026

Frozen potato consumption outlook: Updated demand view now available

The frozen potato market is undergoing significant changes as growth persists amidst price, margin, and demand pressures. A recent report outlines shifting consumer behavior and regional economic impacts, revealing reduced market value despite a volume increase. Geographic disparities in demand and rising costs complicate the landscape. Future growth remains expected but at a slower rate, highlighting the need for processors to adapt and focus on genuine consumption trends for informed strategies.

May 19, 2026

MSU potato program awarded for 2026 Technology Transfer Achievement

David Douches, a distinguished professor at Michigan State University, highlights his commitment to plant breeding, particularly for potatoes, which are vital for farmers and consumers. His work includes developing the resilient “Manistee” variety that extends storage time for Michigan growers and reduces chemical usage through genetic resistance. Douches also pioneers diploid breeding for improved efficiency and has created the nutritious “Blackberry” potato, showcasing successful collaborations that benefit agriculture and health.

May 18, 2026

The Crop Protection Transition: From Chemicals to Biologicals Powered by AgTech

The agricultural sector is shifting from chemical reliance to biological solutions enhanced by AgTech, amidst significant restructuring among major chemical companies. Biological crop-protection solutions are gaining traction, promoting regenerative farming. The transition is uneven due to grower hesitancy and market dynamics. Companies that innovate quickly will find opportunities in this emerging market, as chemical dependence declines and biological solutions promise enhanced resilience and productivity in farming systems.

April 11, 2026

Potatoes on the moon? Oregon State University scientists show it could work

Researchers at Oregon State University have demonstrated that potatoes can grow in lunar regolith, with minimal compost required for decent harvests. While pure moon dirt severely stunted growth, adding just 5% compost yielded relatively healthy plants. The overall nutrition of moon-grown potatoes was comparable to those grown on Earth. This research suggests the potential for cultivating food on the moon, although environmental factors remain a challenge.

April 2, 2026

Canada: GLP-1 drugs, changing eating habits could have consequences for Prince Edward Island’s potato industry

Prince Edward Island potato farmers are facing a challenge as they prepare to plant for 2026, driven not by weather or fertilizer costs but by changing consumer behavior due to the increasing use of GLP-1 agonists, medications for diabetes and weight loss. A national survey found that nearly 1.9 million Canadians are using these drugs, significantly impacting the potato market and food consumption habits.

March 30, 2026

Registration opens for EAPR 2026 Warsaw meeting as organizers invite potato scientists and students

Registration and abstract submission are now open for the joint EAPR Agronomy & Physiology and Post Harvest meeting, to be held June 16 – 19, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland. Organizers say the meeting will address agronomy, physiology, precision agriculture, postharvest assessment, storage and processing. Early bird registration closes March 16, while abstract submission and regular registration close April 7. EAPR will also offer fee waivers to eight PhD students.

March 12, 2026

EuroBlight releases first 2025 late blight genotype snapshot: EU36 still leads as EU46 expands across more countries

EuroBlight has released its first monitoring results for the 2025 potato season, based on more than 1,200 genotyped Phytophthora infestans samples. EU36 remains the dominant genotype across much of western and central Europe, though its overall frequency fell versus 2024. EU43’s decline has stabilised, with a notable jump in France and first detections in Switzerland and Latvia. EU46 increased and expanded geographically. Diverse “Other” types surged in northern and eastern regions.

February 25, 2026

University of Idaho researcher finds overestimation in potato farmers’ water consumption estimates

Research from the University of Idaho suggests that current models overestimate water consumption in Idaho potato fields during peak irrigation by up to 40%. Assistant professor Meetpal Kukal highlighted that existing crop coefficients, based on outdated methodologies, fail to account for variability in potato varieties and soil types. He proposes refining these estimates using advanced eddy covariance technology for more accurate water management and irrigation scheduling, benefiting both farmers and water managers.

February 20, 2026

UK grower backs collaborative approach to resilient potato varieties

Andrew Francis, managing director of Home Farm Nacton, emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach in developing new potato varieties. Involvement from growers early in the process helps identify potential issues and maximizes outcomes. Francis collaborates with multiple packers and retailers, including Manor Fresh for enhancing Maris Piper. He also advocates for workshops among growers to share knowledge. Chairing the LEAF Marque Technical Advisory Committee, he underscores collaboration in improving environmental standards alongside farm economics.

February 19, 2026

From research plot to real farm: Closing the adoption gap in Quebec potatoes

Quebec potato growers approach new technologies based on economic and structural factors rather than philosophy. Key influences include clear ROI, alignment with operational constraints, and local proof. Common barriers to adoption arise from complexity, upfront costs, and potential unintended consequences. Successful technologies emphasize simplicity, support, and measurable results. While sustainability engagement is rising, skepticism persists when policies are misaligned with agronomic realities. Collaborative research partnerships foster better adoption by respecting farmers’ operational constraints.

January 29, 2026

‘Pesticide pioneers’: University of Idaho research team taking novel approach to develop new fungicides for potato farmers

A University of Idaho team is innovating agricultural fungicide development through computer molecular modeling. With a focus on potato diseases, they have screened under 60 compounds and identified 15 effective candidates, aiming to introduce novel fungicide classes targeting specific fungal proteins. The project, supported by state and federal grants, could offer growers new crop protection solutions and generate substantial royalties for the university.

January 29, 2026

Canada: New potato varieties show signs of better nitrogen efficiency in Cluster 4 trials

The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) is spotlighting a potential shift in how potato varieties could be selected in the years ahead: not only for yield, quality, storability, and disease profile, but also for how efficiently they use nitrogen. Early multi-province research suggests that nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) may become a key selection trait for potato varieties. Recent findings indicate newer cultivars could outperform older ones in yield while requiring less nitrogen.

January 27, 2026

PotatoGuardNet targets faster, more reliable potato leaf disease detection – and reports 99.41% accuracy in image-based testing

A provisionally accepted Frontiers in Plant Science paper introduces PotatoGuardNet, an AI framework for potato leaf disease detection that both pinpoints suspect areas on leaves and classifies disease type. Using PlantVillage potato images, the authors report 99.41% accuracy and an mAP of 0.9556, plus heatmaps to explain model decisions. The research highlights the promise of faster, more consistent scouting support, while underscoring the need for real-world field validation.

January 6, 2026

The ‘Potato Renaissance’: How science is reinventing the world’s most overlooked strategic crop

This article argues that potatoes are entering a new era as science, technology, and market pressures converge. Faster, more precise breeding, emerging genetic tools, and measured agronomy are improving resilience and predictability under climate volatility. Storage is becoming instrumented and professionalized, reducing losses and protecting quality. Processing is expanding into high-value ingredients, while circular models turn by-products into revenue. Automation stabilizes labour-intensive operations.

December 24, 2025

‘Age of the Potato’: Why 2026 may mark the start of a new global chapter for the world’s most underestimated crop

Entering 2026, the “Age of the Potato” article argues that converging pressures and breakthroughs are elevating potatoes from staple to strategic asset. Climate volatility, food security needs, precision breeding, smarter storage, and expanding processing are unlocking higher yields, nutrition, and ingredients. Beyond food, potato starch and by-products are feeding bioplastics, adhesives, paper, textiles, and pharma-cosmetics pathways. If innovation stays grounded, verified, and inclusive, potatoes can help reorganize food and materials systems.

December 21, 2025

Powdery scab and PMTV put market access at risk as soil pathogen prevalence climbs in Idaho

Recent testing by the University of Idaho Extension shows that 75% of Idaho potato fields are infected with the pathogen Spongospora, which causes powdery scab, impacting U.S. potato marketability, especially in exports to Mexico. A new two-year project funded by a $130,000 Specialty Crop Block Grant aims to develop management strategies against these diseases. Researchers will evaluate various control measures, including irrigation management and fungicides, to mitigate the spread and effects of powdery scab and PMTV.

December 17, 2025

Punjab scientists develop potato variety capable of withstanding smog conditions

Scientists in Punjab, Pakistan, have developed a potato variety, Ijaz-22, that endures smoggy conditions, addressing concerns over worsening air pollution impacting agriculture. With Punjab cities frequently ranking among the world’s most polluted during winter, the Potato Research Institute has created 12 fog-tolerant potato varieties. The focus now shifts to further enhancing smog tolerance to mitigate delays in harvests and reduce crop vulnerability to pests and diseases.

December 16, 2025

Potato News Today launches a Living Dictionary for the Global Potato Industry

Potato News Today is launching the Living Dictionary of the Potato Industry, curated and compiled by Lukie Pieterse. This practical, plain-language reference hub is designed to help potato professionals across the value chain align terminology and reduce confusion. The Dictionary launches with an initial 800 core terms – 100 terms in each of eight sections – covering everything from agronomy and storage to trade, crop protection, sustainability, and data. It will expand over time, with reader suggestions welcomed.

December 13, 2025