Seed potatoes from the United Kingdom growing in Kenya in the initial trial
Three new seed potato varieties from the UK recommended for export to Kenya
![Seed potatoes from the United Kingdom growing in Kenya in the initial trial Seed potatoes from the United Kingdom growing in Kenya in the initial trial](https://media.potatopro.com/potato-field-kenya-small-scale-1200.jpg?width=1200&height=743&crop=smart&mode=crop)
Based on extensive trials (two years, three separate farms, ten potato varieties) in a joint effort of AHDB, James Hutton Ltd, SASA and Seeds2B Africa (part of the Syngenta Foundation), three GB potato varieties have been recommended for release in Kenya.
The varieties that ended the trials successful, were:
- Cara (a free variety)
- Gemson (a James Hutton Ltd potato variety)
- Lady Balfour (a James Hutton Ltd potato variety)
Cara
![Potato variety Cara (Courtesy: SASA / Crown) Potato variety Cara](https://media.potatopro.com/cara-550.jpg?width=809)
Potato variety Cara (Courtesy: SASA / Crown)
Cara is also a versatile potato suitable for a wide range of culinary uses including chipping. Susceptible to Dry rot Fusarium sulphureum Powdery scab, potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida Pa2/3,1. Tests show resistance to late blight on tubers, Silver scurf, common scab potato virus Yo, Bruising and Splitting. Cara is resistant to potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis Ro1.
Source: AHDB Potato Variety Database
In the trials Cara yielded very strongly over the course of both seasons with a combined average yield of 52 tonnes per hectare. However, the top performer in terms of yield was Lady Balfour at 56 tonnes per hectare, while Gemson yielded 42 tonnes per hectare on average.
Rob Burns, AHDB Head of Crop Market Trade Development:
“This is great news for GB seed producers and our next steps now will be to support them to create links in Kenya so that they can take advantage of this opportunity.”
“Kenya has a burgeoning middle class; and as well as table varieties there is a growing need for processing potato seed to supply the growing market for premium potato-based products such as crisps and chips.”
Gemson
![Potato variety Gemson (Courtesy: SASA / Crown) Potato variety Gemson](https://media.potatopro.com/gemson-550.jpg?width=809)
Potato variety Gemson (Courtesy: SASA / Crown)
Trials have found good resistance to powdery scab, blackleg, silver scurf and potato leafroll virus.
This variety has low resistance to dry rot Fusarium sulphureum and Fusarium coeruleum , Bruising and late blight on tubers.
Tests for resistance to potato cyst nematode demonstrated susceptibility to both Globodera rostochiensis Ro1 and Globodera pallida Pa 2/3, 1.
Source: AHDB Potato Variety Database
“We are delighted that two of the varieties we bred for Greenvale AP and Grampian Growers have performed so well in these trials and we will be engaging with representatives of the Kenyan potato industry in order to open up this potentially important new export market.”As Kenya is keen to approve more processing varieties the team are considering resubmitting Hermes for a third season.
“We are grateful for the support of the Scottish Society of Crop Research who facilitated getting high quality Scottish seed out to Kenya for the trials.”
Jackie Gibson, Export liaison for SASA:
“The three varieties recommended for release so far have only been approved as table varieties.”
“While processing variety Hermes performed very well in both seasons its average yield of 41 tonnes per hectare was very slightly too low to be recommended for release.”
“However with processing varieties they are looking for at least 21% dry matter content and as Hermes has a recorded dry matter of 23% we believe with a third season of trials and additional testing it can achieve recommendation as a processing variety.”
Lady Balfour
![Potato variety Lady Balfour (Courtesy: SASA / Crown) Potato variety Lady Balfour](https://media.potatopro.com/lady-balfour-550.jpg?width=809)
Potato variety Lady Balfour (Courtesy: SASA / Crown)
Vigour is exceptional under low fertility conditions. Dormancy is extremely long, allowing long term storage without the use of sprout suppressants.
Susceptible to late Blackdot, dry rot Fusarium sulphureum , silver scurf, skin spot and potato leafroll virus.
Resistance to late blight on tubers, powdery scab, blackleg and potato virus Yo.
Source: AHDB Potato Variety Database
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