Invictus maintains performance with lower inputs
ScrollAs part of the Golden Quartet, Invictus represents the card of strength and resilience. In Germany, interest in the variety is growing rapidly. Trading company Weuthen, growers and processors see particular potential in the combination of stable yields, low nitrogen requirements and a strong resistance package. Initial experiences show why Invictus is regarded as a variety that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
At trading company Wilhelm Weuthen, Invictus came into view at an early stage. In the first trials, the variety stood out for its stable results and a combination of characteristics that, according to Johannes Beckers, Head of Seed Potatoes, are becoming increasingly important for the potato cultivation of the future.
The strength lies in the complete package
The market is changing rapidly, and that is exactly why Weuthen likes to get involved with new varieties at an early stage. “We are always looking for varieties that offer something extra compared to what is already available,” says Beckers. According to him, the strength lies mainly in the complete package. A high yield, double resistance to Phytophthora, a stable underwater weight, good storage properties and few internal defects make Invictus attractive to both growers and buyers on multiple fronts. "There are varieties that excel in one area, but Invictus performs strongly across the board."
Value for the entire chain
According to Beckers, Invictus fits well with developments in the German market. In his view, this is not only about achieving lower costs per hectare. “Growers are allowed to use less and less nitrogen, while at the same time more and more active substances are disappearing from the toolbox,” he says. “That means you need varieties that are naturally better equipped to cope with those conditions.”
And that is exactly where Invictus has proven its potential, according to Beckers. “If you look at the overall package, Invictus has everything it takes to become an important variety. It not only delivers strong results in cultivation, but also performs well during storage and processing. That makes it interesting for the entire chain.”
A vigorous start and a slightly different approach
In north-west Germany, ware potato grower Rainer Suding has now gained experience with Invictus, and it is the vigorous start that stands out most to him. “After delivery of the seed potatoes, we saw strong sprouting vigour. The eyes opened quickly and the crop emerged rapidly.”
Tuber set was high and developed towards a good yield level. According to Suding, nitrogen application requires a somewhat different approach. “We apply around 40 kilograms less nitrogen per hectare than we do with Fontane. You should not fertilise the variety heavily, nor be misled by its lighter leaf colour. It takes some getting used to, but this leaf colour is simply a characteristic of the variety and does not mean that the crop is lacking anything.”
As with every variety, Suding also identifies a point of attention for Invictus: “Last year, we observed a sensitivity to Alternaria. This is manageable, but it should be monitored closely, especially in combination with the relatively rapid maturity.” Despite these learning points, his overall assessment is positive. “Invictus may require a slightly different approach, but it shows that you can still achieve a good yield with lower inputs.”
Standing out through consistency
Results at French fry producer Wernsing have also been positive, both in the factory and from an agronomic perspective. For Markus Wegmann, Team Leader Cultivation Advice, the uniform emergence and rapid growth were particularly noteworthy. “Invictus emerges very evenly, the foliage develops quickly, and tuber set is also good.”
At the start, there were some concerns about the balance between fertilisation and achieving the desired underwater weight, but this ultimately proved not to be an issue. “Invictus delivers a relatively good yield, but it is not exceptional in that respect. What really sets it apart is its consistent performance.”
Preventing growth stagnation
At the same time, there is still plenty to investigate. According to Wegmann, growers are particularly interested in how strong Invictus is in practice against TRV and how resilient it is to heat stress and prolonged drought. This brings us to the main point of attention. Invictus’ vigour is a major advantage, but it also requires attention during cultivation. To prevent misshapen tubers, it is important to avoid growth stagnation as much as possible. A consistent growing season, preferably supported by irrigation, suits the character of the variety best.
According to Wegmann, there are also still questions about the practical use of its Phytophthora resistance. “Growers want to make use of the resistance and spray less, but they are still looking for the right balance between reducing applications and not taking too much risk.”
Despite these questions, he sees considerable potential in the variety. “The added value of Invictus lies primarily in achieving reliably good results with lower inputs.” And it is precisely this combination of yield, reliability and sustainability that, according to Wegmann, makes Invictus a variety that is well suited to the challenges facing potato cultivation in the future.
