In Limuru, Kenya, a trial comparing spray and no-spray conditions for potato cultivation provided new insights into the performance of Solynta's hybrid potato varieties. Conducted in the spring of 2024 with G1 seed tubers from disease-free true potato seeds, the trial included three Solynta hybrids with double-stack resistances to late blight and the local favorite, "Shangi." When late blight appeared, Shangi crops under no-spray conditions perished, while Solynta's hybrids demonstrated resilience, yielding more than double the Kenyan average of 10 metric tons per hectare.
Under no-spray conditions, experimental hybrids SOLHY017 and SOLHY016 significantly outperformed Shangi, highlighting the potential for farmers with restricted access to fungicides to achieve high yields. Gerald Mutua, Director at CropCare Technologies in Kenya, emphasized the hybrids' role in addressing key challenges in Kenyan potato production, including access to quality planting material and combating Late Blight. Charles Miller from Solynta also noted the hybrids' capacity to enhance food security and reduce fungicide reliance.
Both SOLHY016 and SOLHY017, pending registration with KEPHIS, showcased yields nearly four times that of Shangi. These results underline the efficacy of Solynta's genetic resistance in boosting yields. Furthermore, the hybrids also performed well under sprayed conditions, yielding significantly above the national average and underscoring the versatility of Solynta's technology in various cultivation environments.
Solynta has recently made its first three hybrid potato varieties available to Kenyan farmers, marking a significant step towards addressing seed tuber shortages and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The introduction of these varieties is part of Solynta's broader effort to expand its hybrid true potato seed varieties across Africa and globally.
Source: Solynta