Hybrid potato breeding
Increasing food security in areas that are hard to access. This is one of the ideas behind an important potato innovation by HZPC: hybrid potato breeding. This innovation has been under development for many years. We expect our first test hybrids to come close to the local market standards of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The future is hybrid
We have made great progress in the development of hybrid potato varieties in recent years. Although this breeding method has been already used for sugar beets, for example, it is a more challenging process for potatoes. We are convinced of the great benefits for food security. Countries that lie far from the coast may find it hard to source seed potatoes. To supply these countries with the healthy food they need, we work on potatoes that grow from seeds. Seeds are simply easier and cheaper to transport. Moreover, it offers opportunities for countries where importing seed potatoes is difficult or even not allowed. We expect our first test hybrids to come close to the local market standards of Sub-Saharan Africa.
HYBRID POTATO
What is it?
A diploid hybrid potato is a combination of two inbred strains that create a uniform product. The ultimate tuber looks exactly the same as a traditional potato, but there are a few big differences in terms of characteristics. The biggest difference is that we can grow hybrid potatoes from a tuber and also from a seed. Another difference is that the breeder has faster influence on the characteristics that are present in the hybrid compared to traditional breeding.
Hybrid facts
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2011
Start of hybrid breeding HZPC
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81,250
Seeds are equal to one potato
Quicker resistance to diseases
Because breeders have a faster impact on a hybrid potato’s characteristics, we can make a variety resistant to disease more quickly. Sometimes within just four to five years. With traditional breeding, it would take ten years longer. And, because we have the option with hybrid potatoes to implement changes to a variety more quickly, we can adapt to fulfil customer requirements more rapidly too.
Recap table talk Potato Days 2021
