Varieties

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

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

Western potato varieties in Egypt: Can Russet, Innovator, Santana and similar varieties succeed?

Egypt can successfully grow Western potato varieties, but their success hinges on local climate suitability, irrigation, seed quality, and market needs. Some varieties, like Santana and Innovator, have demonstrated potential in the country’s processing sector. However, caution is advised with varieties like Russet Burbank due to their specific agronomic demands. Ultimately, disciplined trials and understanding local conditions are essential for commercial viability.

June 22, 2026

Potato cultivation at a crossroads: The future crop will be grown with more precision, more resilience and a deeper respect for soil

Potato cultivation is a challenging endeavor, sensitive to climate variations and agricultural practices. As climate instability, water scarcity, and disease pressures rise, growers must adopt smarter, more resilient systems. Effective water management, soil health, and integrated pest strategies are crucial. While advancements in technology and variety development are important, they must be paired with comprehensive management approaches to ensure the potato remains a vital global food source amid increasing demands.

June 22, 2026

FAO Treaty Secretary highlights potato genetic resources as shared global heritage

On International Potato Day 2026, Kent Nnadozie emphasized the potato’s role as a vital food source and genetic resource, essential for global food security. Celebrating its cultural significance and agricultural contributions, he urged for continued investment in conservation and research. Highlighting successful collaborative projects that benefit farmers, the call to action advocates for renewed cooperation in preserving potato diversity to ensure future resilience and adaptability in changing environments.

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

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

EUROPLANT ‘drives market-oriented potato varieties across Europe’

EUROPLANT showcases its innovative capabilities by turning advanced breeding results into successful market launches through collaboration across its European teams. Notable varieties include CORINNA and MONIQUE, which excel in the ware potato market, and JELLY, known for its robust dual-purpose performance and drought tolerance. VINDIKA, featuring dual nematode resistance, has also gained traction in the French market, emphasizing quality and production reliability.

April 2, 2026

Solynta and EW GROUP reach major funding agreement to boost Hybrid True Potato Seed commercialization

Dutch hybrid potato breeder Solynta has secured major growth funding, with a majority stake acquisition by EW Group. This partnership aims to double global potato yields while reducing land use and crop protection needs. The funding will enhance Solynta’s hybrid potato breeding platform and accelerate technology adoption. Both companies emphasize the importance of innovation to address agricultural challenges and improve global food security.

February 26, 2026

Sustainable spuds: Lower-carbon potatoes hit Britain’s shelves as Branston partners with Tesco on net-zero project

A pioneering low carbon concept farm in Lincolnshire has grown its first crop of sustainable Georgina potatoes, set to hit Tesco stores this week, in collaboration with Branston. Utilizing innovative techniques like circular economy fertilisers and HVO fuel, the farm achieves over 50% lower carbon emissions while maintaining quality. The initiative aims to advance net-zero farming practices and will explore further innovations for future crops to enhance sustainability.

February 25, 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

Albert Bartlett expands range with White Roosters: Limited-edition line is going into Sainsbury’s nationwide

Albert Barlett has introduced a limited-edition White Rooster potato bag, as reported by Michael Barker on Fruitnet. Available in 1.5kg bags at select Sainsbury’s stores in the UK, this variant complements the Red Rooster range. It boasts a light, fluffy texture and smooth white skin, making it versatile for various dishes and positioning it as a strong alternative to the Maris Piper.

February 16, 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

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

The rise of baby potatoes: How small potatoes became a global sensation

This article traces how baby potatoes evolved from incidental “smalls” into a deliberately bred, tightly specified premium segment. It explains the small-at-maturity ideotype, tougher agronomy and handling, cautious use of marker-assisted selection, and the economics of “tonnes in band”. It also explores packaging, branding, and multi-channel demand from retail, foodservice, and meal kits, arguing that small potatoes now test the industry’s ability to run high-value, disciplined, system-based programs worldwide today.

November 15, 2025

Women shaping tomorrow’s varieties: Inside the quiet revolution in potato breeding

Efforts are underway to increase women’s roles in potato breeding, transforming the field with diverse perspectives. Traditionally dominated by men, women’s contributions are now recognized, as they possess valuable insights regarding traits that matter to household cooking and nutrition. Initiatives like the Women in Potato Breeding platform aim to uplift female breeders, enhancing gender-responsive breeding practices. This shift not only benefits equality but also ensures breeding aligns better with the needs of farmers and consumers.

November 14, 2025

CIP with the participation of Indigenous communities develops late blight resistant potato variety for Peru

The disease that led to the Irish Potato Famine still causes significant losses in potato crops, costing about $10 billion annually. Ahead of COP30, the International Potato Center has introduced CIP-Asiryq, a new late blight-resistant variety developed with Indigenous communities, requiring fewer fungicides and cooking faster than the Yungay variety. This innovation aims to enhance food security and provide options for smallholder farmers facing climate change challenges.

November 10, 2025

EarthFresh rolls out ‘Butter Potatoes’ across the U.S., positioning no-butter-needed spuds for everyday cooking

EarthFresh has launched a premium Butter Potatoes lineup in the U.S. and Canada, featuring Butter Golds, Butter Reds, and Butter Russets. Developed over a decade, these potatoes offer a naturally creamy texture and rich flavor. Supported by sensory testing and chef collaboration, consumer interest is high, with 85% showing intent to buy. Updated packaging enhances sustainability. Retailers can find more at EarthFreshFoods.com/Butter.

November 10, 2025

Royal HZPC Group’s breakthrough in hybrid potatoes opens doors for African farmers

Royal HZPC Group is focusing on hybrid potato breeding, launching its NOVA varieties with the first in Kenya. CEO Hans Huistra highlights the benefits, including faster development of disease-resistant potatoes grown from seed, crucial for small-scale farmers lacking quality seeds. This innovative breeding addresses food security challenges.

November 7, 2025

A strong year: Royal HZPC Group breaks new ground

Royal HZPC Group concluded the 2024/2025 financial year successfully, marking its first global revenue exceeding €500 million and tonnage surpassing 1 million. The revenue reached €525 million, with a gross margin of €96.4 million and a net profit of €17.1 million, benefiting growers with increased dividends. Despite challenges in the market, the company emphasized growth in new potato varieties and planned expansion in acreage.

October 30, 2025

The nematode squeeze: What works against PCN and root-lesion in an era of fumigant restrictions

As chemical fumigants disappear from the toolbox, potato growers face rising pressure from potato cyst and root-lesion nematodes. New strategies now dominate: resistant varieties, mustard-based biofumigation, trap crops like Solanum sisymbriifolium, and longer crop rotations. Success depends on integration rather than single solutions. The industry is shifting from eradication to control — combining genetics, biology, hygiene and data to keep nematodes below economic thresholds.

October 25, 2025

Nemo returns: Branston scales up the UK’s favourite roast potato for record demand

The Nemo potato, developed by Branston, has returned to British supermarkets in response to heightened consumer demand, with 87% more stock available this season compared to 2024. This roasting potato, named after a film character due to its pink-and-white stripes, cooks 25% faster and was meticulously developed over nine years. Tesco plans to stock 1.2 million units, catering to modern households seeking convenience and energy savings during the festive season.

October 16, 2025

Royal HZPC Group announces acquisition of IPM Potato Group

Royal HZPC Group announced plans to acquire IPM Potato Group, a top potato breeder and exporter based in Ireland, enhancing its global seed potato presence. Established in 1950, IPM leads in seed potato production and exports to 40 countries. The acquisition aims to foster growth opportunities while maintaining IPM’sidentity. CEO Hans Huistra emphasized this aligns with their strategic ambitions and opens new markets, particularly in North Africa. Regulatory approval is pending.

October 2, 2025

New PCN-resistant potato varieties mark a milestone in Kenya’s fight against soil-borne pests and support regional food security

Kenya has introduced new potato varieties, Malaika and Glen, to combat potato cyst nematodes (PCN) that threaten yields. Developed through international collaboration, these varieties promise strong resistance to PCN while meeting local agricultural demands. By offering practical advantages for farmers, they could improve productivity and food security. Successful adoption depends on ensuring seed availability and effective management practices. Overall, these innovations could significantly enhance Kenya’s potato sector.

September 28, 2025

The vanishing dormancy: Genetic breakthroughs to extend potato storage without chemicals

Researchers from Cranfield University, PepsiCo, and Solynta are working on extending potato dormancy without chemicals like CIPC, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Their project focuses on understanding the genetic and physiological aspects of dormancy to improve storage efficiency, aiming to reduce energy use and waste. The collaboration seeks to identify traits that enhance dormancy, with implications for reduced sprout losses and overall cost savings in potato storage. Results and advancements are expected by 2026.

September 26, 2025