Solynta turns to technology in potato industry

Solynta has succeeded in developing Hybrid True Potato Seeds (HTPS), a milestone for which the company has taken out a new US patent. HTPS require only 25 grams, rather than 2,500 kilograms of potato tubers, to cover a hectare of land. HTPS can produce around 5,000 seeds per season compared to 10 new seed tubers per plant per season as was previously the case. This change can help speed up the introduction of new potato varieties for farmers and increase food safety within the potato industry by producing clean, virus-free true seeds.

“One of the main challenges faced by Solynta is understanding the complex potato genome. Unwrapping the complex potato genome sequence takes time and resources. Identifying the genome sequence opens opportunities for us to focus on the areas that need to be improved, such as increasing resistance to diseases,” said Charles Miller, commercial director of Solynta.

Solynta utilises hybrid technology to create new varieties of potato. To further increase the nutritional value of potatoes and increase resistance to disease, the company continues to breed new potato varieties. Solynta is able to produce new varieties from true potatoes, which require less chemical usage and make a smaller environmental footprint.

For inquiries, contact: Charles Miller, Solynta; charles.miller@solynta.com