The Canadian Private Potato Breeders Network (CPPBN) held its 15th annual meeting on February 4, 2025, providing updates on independent potato breeding initiatives across Canada. Industry experts and breeders attended, focusing on fostering innovation, sharing genetic material, and strengthening ties between private breeders and governmental research entities.
Newton Yorinori, Vice President of Ag Research Development at Cavendish Farms, was reaffirmed as President and Chair, with Darin Gibson of Gaia Consulting (Manitoba) as Vice President and Vice Chair, and Dr. Peter VanderZaag of Sunrise Potatoes (Ontario) continuing as Secretary. This leadership team supports initiatives aimed at improving potato variety development and addressing industry challenges.
Updates from eight breeding programs in Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba highlighted the cultivation of nearly 200,000 seedlings annually. A focal point was the development of potato varieties resistant to potato warts, a challenge for Canadian production. Limited access to field trials with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Newfoundland was noted as a constraint needing resolution to evaluate disease resistance and adaptability.
Members reported breakthroughs in resistance to late blight and viruses like PVY and PLRV, with new seedling selections showing field resistance. New processing potato varieties have been registered in Canada, expanding the industry's cultivar portfolio. Canadian potato selections are undergoing trials in China, West Africa, and Kenya, indicating international recognition.
In 2023, an agreement between private breeders and AAFC to share true potato seed (TPS) from selected crosses was achieved, enhancing research collaboration and offering new breeding avenues. This agreement allows Canadian breeders access to a broader genetic pool.
The CPPBN continues to bridge private breeding programs with regulatory bodies, aligning new developments with industry and market demands. As the sector advances in disease-resistant varieties and breeding techniques, challenges like regulatory hurdles, disease pressures, and climate adaptability remain. Stakeholders look to CPPBN leadership and private breeders for solutions to secure a sustainable future for Canadian potatoes.
Source: Potato News Today