Research

From resistance genes to hybrid seed: CIP sets out two routes to stronger potato production

A recent update by the International Potato Center (CIP) highlights advances in late blight resistance and diploid hybrid breeding techniques presented by Director General Simon Heck at the World Agrifood Innovation Conference in Beijing. The emphasis on local partnerships aims to enhance farmer access to these innovations. Multiple approaches, including biotechnology and hybrid breeding, aim to improve potato varieties, addressing biological challenges while ensuring market compatibility and reliable seed supply for sustainable agricultural practices.

October 8, 2026

More than calories: Can an iron-rich potato change a family’s health?

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.

September 30, 2026

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.

September 29, 2026

Less nitrogen, but the same crop?

A Prince Edward Island field study found that reducing potato nitrogen applications by 25% preserved marketable yield while some combinations of rotation and enhanced-efficiency fertiliser sharply lowered nitrous oxide emissions. The result is promising, but it is not a universal recommendation to cut rates. It demonstrates why nitrogen decisions should reflect soil supply, rotation history, weather, variety and requirements—and why measuring the crop matters more than following a habitual number.

September 28, 2026

‘Weed hunters reloaded’: Canadian scientists targeting troublesome weeds with grit and innovation

Dr. Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill’s research explores a novel weed control method for Canadian farmers using baking soda and corn cob grit. By employing abrasive techniques and bioherbicides, the approach effectively targets stubborn weeds, like lamb’s quarters and wild buckwheat, without harming potato crops or yields. While promising, challenges include sourcing materials and costs. This method particularly benefits high-value and organic crops, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional herbicides.

September 28, 2026

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.

September 6, 2026

Longer potato rotations linked to improved tuber quality and stronger short-term returns in US trials

New research indicates that extending potato crop rotations can enhance tuber quality and profitability, based on a four-year study across various U.S. locations. While longer rotations performed better economically, results for other practices like fumigation and biofumigation were inconsistent. The findings suggest that potato growers may improve soil and crop health without sacrificing quality, but economic outcomes may vary and need careful evaluation over multiple growing seasons.

August 27, 2026

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.

August 27, 2026

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.

August 25, 2026

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.

August 24, 2026

‘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…]

August 24, 2026

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.”

August 21, 2026

‘The algorithm and the acre’: Why the future of potato breeding will still be decided in farmers’ fields

The GAIN-RT initiative, announced on August 18, 2026, aims to enhance potato breeding through artificial intelligence, focusing on climate resilience and disease resistance. Collaborating with institutions such as the International Potato Center and KALRO, GAIN-RT will combine genomic and environmental data to improve selection processes. However, concerns remain about AI’s limitations and the necessity for local insights, training, and effective seed systems to ensure successful variety adoption by farmers.

August 19, 2026

Global partnership launches AI project to accelerate development of climate-resilient potato and sweetpotato varieties

A global initiative named GAIN-RT has been launched to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in the rapid development of crop varieties, primarily focused on potatoes and later sweetpotatoes. This collaboration includes the International Potato Center, the James Hutton Institute, and African partners, aiming to address challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases. The project also emphasizes training for scientists, particularly women, to enhance local research capabilities and improve food security.

August 19, 2026

The potato industry’s next water challenge: Learning to produce more value from every drop

Recent research from Europe and North America reveals that increased irrigation does not guarantee better potato yields, challenging common practices. Factors such as crop stage, cultivar, and irrigation method influence outcomes significantly. Findings indicate that effective water management relies on precise decisions regarding irrigation timing and amount, rather than general assumptions, emphasizing economic productivity over simple yield maximization. The industry should embrace a holistic approach to enhance drought resilience.

August 18, 2026

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