HZPC: New generation of potato varieties promising for more food security

New generation of potato varieties promising for more food security

April 22, 2022

Source

HZPC Holland BV

The new generation of potato varieties is performing better and better under extreme climate conditions such as drought, according to the recent sustainability report of potato breeder HZPC, which was published on Earth Day on April 22.

The first trials of hybrid varieties from seed, which have been tested in the Sub-Sahara region, are also showing good performance.

The first trials of hybrid varieties from seed, which have been tested in the Sub-Sahara region, are also showing good performance. If the development continues, these innovations will contribute significantly to more food security worldwide, especially in regions where hunger is a real threat.

More output with fewer-input thanks to good genetics

HZPC is fully committed to developing robust, durable varieties. Varieties that perform optimally in more extreme conditions (such as heat, drought, and salinization) will be able to overcome diseases. The optimal genetic variety traits are developed in a high-tech research environment in Friesland, the Netherlands.

Good genetics also help minimize the ecological footprint of potato cultivation. Future HZPC varieties will require less and less water, environmentally damaging crop protection, and fertilizers.

First successful trials with test hybrids

To ensure yields, HZPC uses new breeding techniques such as marker technology and hybridization. If current developments continue, the seed of hybrid varieties can mean a lot for potato distribution and cultivation where food security is under pressure.

Locations that are difficult to reach such as the Sub-Saharan region and Central Asia, due to limited infrastructure or for phytosanitary reasons, will have access to high-quality starting material through the supply of hybrid potato seed. The first tests of hybrid varieties on a trial field in Kenya last year were promising.

Gerard Backx, CEO of HZPC Holding:

"We, therefore, remain fully committed to developing varieties and producing seed potatoes with a minimal ecological footprint, but with maximum performance."

"Also in countries where good results have to be achieved under challenging climatic conditions. We expect a lot from our latest innovations so that we can further make our chain future-proof."