No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
HZPC Americas welcomes Pedro Selegato as its new Product Manager in Canada. With a strong background in agronomy, seed production research, and large-scale farming management, he aims to enhance the potato industry. By leveraging his expertise, Selegato will collaborate with North American growers and processors to optimize HZPC’s germplasm and guide breeding programs, ensuring effective variety positioning in diverse conditions.
Royal HZPC Group anticipates a successful 2024/2025 financial year, expecting turnover to exceed €500 million and tonnage to surpass 1 million tonnes. The surge in demand for resilient potato varieties has driven sales growth. Leadership changes aim to enhance collaboration with growers, while the company remains focused on research and development. The group aims to significantly contribute to global food security through its seed potatoes.
German scientists’ research reveals that European potato varieties share a narrow genetic base despite chromosome differences. This study, involving Wageningen University and Research, analyzed ten heritage potatoes, revealing only nine unique haplotypes while 85% of modern European potatoes’ genetic variants derive from them. The findings support new potato breeding methods focusing on diploid varieties, potentially enhancing robust hybrids and improving genetic predictability for breeding strategies in agriculture.
A potato trial conducted by SAC Consulting revealed innovative results for seed potato crops, notably the Innovator variety. Utilizing biological products and agronomic techniques, the trial increased tuber numbers significantly. Key findings highlighted that Luxor and Phosta applications boosted tuber counts by over 30% and 20%, respectively. This development is crucial for seed growers as they face challenges in maximizing yields amidst commercial pressure for processing varieties. Further trials are planned for validation.
The Netherlands’ Board for Plant Varieties has approved a revolutionary potato variety developed by KeyGene using the 2S1 graft hybrid technique. This method merges traits from two existing varieties, Pimpernel’s skin and Bintje’s cell layers, enhancing features like drought tolerance and yield. The successful commercialization of this proof-of-concept signals significant potential for improving various crops through sustainable breeding practices, according to KeyGene’s leaders.
HZPC Americas Corp. announces Sean Davenport as the new Business Development Manager, enhancing its North American operations. A seasoned expert with deep industry roots, Davenport aims to strengthen relationships and identify growth opportunities in the potato sector. His experience from Potandon Produce and knowledge of marketing dynamics will drive HZPC’s innovative initiatives, boosting differentiation across the potato value chain and supporting the Potato Glory brand.
The integration of advanced technologies in potato breeding has significantly accelerated innovation, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Key advancements include marker-assisted selection (MAS) for disease resistance, genomic selection for predicting success, CRISPR/Cas9 for precise gene editing, and cisgenics for trait stacking, he says. However, the unequal distribution of these technologies poses challenges, particularly for developing countries. Enhancing access through strengthened public institutions, partnerships, and equitable seed systems is crucial for achieving breeding success.
Potatoes are crucial for food security and income in Ethiopia, where small-scale farmers dominate agriculture. Since 1975, the International Potato Center (CIP) has partnered with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) to improve potato productivity and develop better varieties. Gender-specific preferences emerged during participatory varietal selection, helping identify high-yielding, disease-resistant clones that can potentially increase yields significantly, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
Healthycrop and Haggard Stores Limited have formed a strategic partnership to develop fungal-resistant potatoes, enhancing agricultural sustainability. This collaboration combines Healthycrop’s plant science and Haggard Stores’ agronomy expertise to empower farmers with healthier, more resilient crops, reducing reliance on chemical treatments. The initiative aims to secure food production and improve yields, addressing the significant financial impact fungal diseases have on potato farmers and promoting sustainable practices worldwide.
Greenvale, a leading UK potato supplier, has launched the “Move Over Maris” campaign through its Golden Kings brand to address consumer awareness regarding potato varieties. The initiative promotes newer, climate-friendly potato types that require fewer resources and offer better yields. Partnering with Great British Chefs, the campaign aims to educate shoppers on the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture while enjoying innovative dishes made from these varieties.
A comprehensive study on diploid potatoes, led by Dr. Bourlaye Fofana at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), reveals potential breeding advantages due to their genetic diversity. Researchers analyzed 384 diploid clones and identified 127 with drought resistance and late maturity. This research aims to enhance potato resilience to climate change, developing new commercial varieties that could benefit Canadian producers.
Agricultural development in northern Canada is advancing despite challenges like short growing seasons. Dr. Julia Wheeler’s multi-year research project tested season extension technologies, including low tunnels, improving green bean yields in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. John’s, and Whitehorse. The study also assessed various potato varieties to offer alternatives for growers. Future research will focus on reusable technologies and diverse vegetable varieties to support sustainable agriculture in the North.
The Canadian Private Potato Breeders Network (CPPBN) held its 15th annual meeting on February 4, 2025, reviewing advancements in independent potato breeding. Key leadership roles were reaffirmed, and updates showed nearly 200,000 seedlings cultivated annually. Significant challenges include potato wart resistance and access to field trials. Recent breakthroughs in disease resistance and international collaboration signal a promising future for Canadian potato production.
Potato wart leads to significant potato production issues. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers, including Dr. Hai Nguyen and Dr. David De Koeyer, are advancing genomic studies to identify resistant potato varieties and develop better detection tools. Their collaborative efforts aim to mitigate the economic impacts of potato wart through improved breeding and research. AAFC St. John’s researchers Dr. Linda Jewell are supporting the research efforts at the Avondale site in Newfoundland.
New research in the UK aims to enhance potato dormancy and storage life, crucial for maintaining year-round supplies. Following the ban of the sprouting-inhibiting chemical CIPC, storage life has declined. Cranfield University collaborates with PepsiCo and Solynta to develop new potato varieties that extend storage, reduce energy use, and minimize chemicals, ultimately decreasing food waste and environmental impact while ensuring high-quality supplies for consumers.
HZPC Americas Corp. is launching a Seed Dealer Network to strengthen the North American potato industry, focusing on the USA and Canada. They established strategic partnerships with Ebe Farms, Kroeker Farms, and Edmonton Potato Growers to ensure clean seed supply. Transitioning from direct sales to a licensing approach, HZPC aims to simplify processes and maintain strong support for their growers, reinforcing their market leadership in potato genetics.
Matteo Freddi of “Freddi 1926 srl” is introducing low-calorie potato varieties at the Marca trade fair in Bologna on January 15-16, 2025. These tubers contain 25% fewer calories than standard potatoes and cater to health-conscious consumers, particularly the young demographic. The company plans to offer a range of varieties throughout the year, reflecting significant changes in leadership and branding.
Susie Thompson from North Dakota State University (NDSU) has been named the first Johansen-Thompson Endowed Professor in Potato Breeding, a $1.5 million endowment promoting agricultural research. This tribute honors renowned breeders Robert Johansen and Thompson. The funding will enhance NDSU’s programs, ensuring the development of new potato varieties, exemplified by the Dakota Russet’s inclusion in McDonald’s offerings.
A study published in the European Journal of Agronomy highlights agronomic and storage factors affecting the frying color of French fries. The research emphasizes cultivar selection, nitrogen fertilization, and consistent irrigation to manage reducing sugars. Additionally, optimal storage temperatures between 8°C and 12°C are crucial to prevent cold-induced sweetening. Implementing these practices can enhance potato quality and minimize waste in the supply chain.
In Glenisla, Perthshire, Amy and Andrew Skea are passionate about reviving heritage potato varieties through their venture, Potato House, which offers over 80 types of seed potatoes. Their goal is to preserve Scotland’s potato heritage while appealing to gardeners seeking unique flavors. With a family legacy dating back to the 1960s, they also launched a recipe site featuring over 230 potato-based recipes.
EUROPLANT Europe is reorganizing its global potato breeding and farming operations under a unified brand, with Potato Seed Solutions now called EUROPLANT America. This independent entity will market both existing and new potato varieties, focusing on industry needs like resistance and sustainability. SunRain’s prior multiplication and distribution duties will be assumed by EUROPLANT America, enhancing its commitment to the agricultural sector. Engagement is invited at the Potato Expo in Orlando.
Rwanda’s potato sector has transformed through a collaboration between RAB and the International Potato Center (CIP), supported by USAID’s AID-I GLR initiative. Eleven new potato varieties have been introduced, enhancing yields and resilience against climate challenges.
In a recent webinar, Dr. Rowan Herridge, a Research Fellow at the University of Otago in New Zealand discussed innovative potato breeding techniques, highlighting the challenges posed by potatoes’ tetraploid nature. He explained traditional methods and introduced New Breeding Techniques (NBTs), including gene editing and F1 hybrid breeding, which enable enhanced disease resistance and genetic gains. These advancements, being developed at Otago University, promise sustainable improvements for New Zealand potato growers.
Dr. Charles (Charlie) Higgins, a prominent figure in the potato industry for nearly 50 years, is transitioning from active farming to focus on family and the Ethiopian Food Project. He is recognized for his vast knowledge and contributions, serving as a consultant and mentor. Notable achievements include developing disease-free potato seed in Ethiopia and promoting the National Chip Program. Chris Long will succeed him at Norika America LLC.
A research team led by molecular biologist Li Jieping in Beijing has discovered unusually small potatoes, indicating alarming future food security risks due to climate change. These potatoes weigh less than half that of a typical potato in China. The study revealed that higher temperatures accelerate tuber growth while reducing yields by over 50%. China’s potato production, vital for global food security, faces serious threats from rising temperatures.
