The Plant Sciences Division of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), in a Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) meeting on potatoes held late last year (November 16, 2023), stressed the importance of strengthened collaboration to develop potato varieties suited to local conditions in Pakistan. 

Chaired by Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, the Chairman of the VEC and a Member of the Plant Sciences Division at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), the meeting brought together committee members and representatives from both the public and private sectors. 

During the meeting, 19 proposals for new potato varieties and ten previously recommended/approved varieties were presented for consideration. 

Montreal is the only processing variety that received VEC’s nod for commercial cultivation. From the earlier list of 10 potato varieties that were at the different stages of approval, Meryem, HZD-II-3732, Quintera, Bigrossa, Magistrial, Oxania, and Actrice (all table varieties) have been recommended for commercial cultivation. 

In contrast, Unica, Early Vally (Table Variety), and Shepody (Processing Variety) have been recommended for repeat one-season trials. 

Among the notable decisions from the new list of 19 potato varieties, four new table potato varieties – Tornado, Electra, Fundago, and Rainbow – received unanimous approval for commercial cultivation. These varieties, selected after careful deliberation, aim to enhance potato production and contribute to food security in the country. 

The committee also made decisions regarding trial repetitions for specific varieties and recommendations for processing purposes. 

Notably, Montreal and SHC 1010 were recommended for processing, subject to meeting specific virus-free and true-to-type seed multiplication requirements. In a move towards decentralization, the committee allowed local seed multiplication for Lady Rosétta, provided there is verification of authorization from the concerned entity. 

This decision allows local stakeholders to participate actively in the seed multiplication process, promoting inclusivity in potato cultivation. The committee implemented improvements to the System Yield and Adaptability Trials (SYS/AT). These enhancements include increasing the minimum seed quantity per entry to 100 kg and adding a Department of Plant Protection representative as a co-opted VEC member.

These changes aim to refine the evaluation process and ensure a more comprehensive assessment of potato varieties. Looking ahead, the committee announced that the next VEC meeting is scheduled for September 2024, contingent upon the availability of adaptability trial data from research stations.

This iterative approach to decision-making underscores the commitment to evidence-based recommendations and continuous improvement in the potato cultivation landscape in Pakistan.