By Deborah Olaoluwa
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute have introduced two new potato varieties to Kenya, which are now included in Kenya’s National Variety List.
The project was a collaboration with the University of St Andrews, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Potato Centre (CIP), and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), as well as the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and Seeds2B.
The new varieties, Malaika, named after the daughter of a farmer who was integral to the early field trials, and Glen, reflecting the Scottish heritage of the varieties, have passed the obligatory National Potato Trials and have been approved by processors in Kenya.
They were bred originally in a joint project between Greenvale AP and Hutton Scientific Services, combining the preferred traits of local growers with resistance to potato cyst nematode (PCN), which is currently devastating the Kenyan crop.
PCN is a microscopic parasitic pest that invades potato roots, stunting growth and diminishing yields.
Senior Scientist, Professor John Jones, the Hutton lead on the project, 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 Africa to help ensure that we provide solutions that align with the needs of growers in the region. I’m delighted that we have passed this critical milestone.”
“This has been a remarkable journey involving multiple partners working together to ensure the success of this initiative. Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) is a major pest affecting a key crop in Kenya and the broader region,” remarked Senior Scientist at IITA, Danny Coyne.
“The introduction of Malaika and Glen represents a significant breakthrough in controlling this pest, directly addressing the urgent needs of farmers. This advancement will help safeguard their livelihoods, improve crop yields, and contribute to food security.”
Potato is Kenya’s second most important food crop after maize. It benefits some 2.5 million people across the potato value chain and is Kenya’s key economic agricultural driver, with an approximate value of $500 million per annum.
The Hutton leads the world in scientific research and breeding programmes to develop new potato varieties with desirable agronomic characteristics and resilience to external stresses, such as temperature extremes and diseases. Malaika and Glen have the potential to be of value in the countries surrounding Kenya, where PCN is also present, and to provide reliable, resilient crops that offer a route to food security.
Research carried out as part of the project showed that Kenyan smallholder farmers need potato varieties that have low dormancy (the length of time before they start to develop sprouts), can be replanted quickly after harvest, and are fast-cooking to reduce fuel use.
Currently, around 90% of growers source seed from their farm or neighbours, with only 6% buying from certified seed suppliers. The information collected during this project will be used to shape plans for distributing the new potatoes and to give growers the confidence to grow these new varieties.
Their introduction will now be scaled up by working with Kisima seeds for the commercial sector, while Syngenta Foundation Farmers’ Hubs will provide advice and multiply healthy seeds for smallholders.
