Recently, Solynta announced its trial field improvements in Ireland. This trial field was established to evaluate one of their most recent hybrid potato types’ tolerance to late blight. The initial ingredients were tubers, which were produced using hybrid true potato seed (HTPS).

“These tubers were planted together with three commercial varieties and grown under the same conditions, without any chemical crop protection. After planting the four varieties in May, we monitored the field on-site and remotely 24/7. This way, we were able to see the establishment and impact of potential Late Blight infection,” the company announced on its LinkedIn page.

As the picture shows (taken on August 9, 2023), Late Blight pressure in the field was high, resulting in three out of four varieties dying completely above ground. Even though the Solynta hybrid variety showed lesions, (on the front-left side of the field), it is still green and will continue to grow.

“These first results validate our research findings and show that with non-GMO hybrid breeding, we can identify genes of interest and use them to create more robust potatoes,” Solynta communicators wrote.

The company’s scientists are optimistic that they will be able to breed many new hybrid potato types that will require significantly fewer agrochemicals, give excellent yields, and produce nutritious potatoes by crossbreeding robust parent lines with these increased Late Blight resistant features. Highly efficient, targeted breeding for desirable features is made possible via hybrid breeding. The economics of potato farmers and global food security will both profit from this technique.

“Great example of how plant breeding can have a positive impact on a crop and food security,” Charles Miller, Director – Strategic Alliances & Development, summed up.