Scientists from the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), based at The James Hutton Institute, have introduced two new potato varieties to Kenya that are now included in Kenya's National Variety List.
The development was carried out in collaboration with the University of St Andrews, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Potato Center (CIP), the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and Seeds2B.
The new varieties, Malaika, named after the daughter of a farmer involved in early trials, and Glen, reflecting their Scottish origin, passed the National Potato Trials and have been approved by processors in Kenya. They were bred in a joint project between Greenvale and Hutton Scientific Services, combining traits preferred by Kenyan growers with resistance to potato cyst nematode (PCN), a parasitic pest that damages potato roots and reduces yields.
© James Hutton
Professor John Jones of The James Hutton Institute and University of St Andrews said, "The release of these two varieties is the culmination of many years' work and is a collaboration between social scientists, crop scientists, plant breeders, the Kenyan Government, seed suppliers, and farmers. It has brought together researchers and stakeholders in the UK and in Africa to help ensure that we are providing solutions that are in line with the needs of growers in the region. I'm delighted that we have passed this critical milestone."
Danny Coyne, Senior Scientist at IITA, added, "It has been a remarkable journey involving multiple partners who combined to ensure the success of this undertaking. PCN is a major pest of a key crop in Kenya, and the region, and the delivery of Malaika and Glen marks a major breakthrough for controlling this pest."
Potato is the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize, involving around 2.5 million people in the value chain and worth approximately US$500 million per year. Malaika and Glen may also benefit countries surrounding Kenya, where PCN is present.
Research from the project highlighted the need for potato varieties with low dormancy, allowing quick replanting after harvest, and fast cooking times to reduce fuel use. Currently, about 90% of Kenyan farmers source seed from their own farms or neighbours, with only 6% purchasing certified seed. The project aims to address this through distribution plans and by building grower confidence in the new varieties.
Scaling up will involve Kisima Seeds for the commercial sector, while Syngenta Foundation Farmers' Hubs will provide guidance and multiply seed for smallholders.
© James HuttonFor more information:
Joyce Reid
The James Hutton Institute
Tel: +44 (0) 7931 551 988
Email: [email protected]
www.hutton.ac.uk
