Bioimpuls: Organic potato breeding 2008-2019
In 2008, the organic potato breeding program Bioimpuls first started under Bioconnect. The goal of the first phase of the organic potato breeding program from 2009-2014 was to build up a full organic breeding program focussed on genitor and cultivar development for the organic sector. This project is based on a unique collaboration between Bolk Institute, Wageningen University, commercial breeding companies and organic potato growers and farmer breeders. In the second phase (20015-2019) the above mentioned activities will be continued. In addition the project will also include research on the relationship between foliage and tuber late blight resistance.
Cultivar characteristics
Potato is an important crop for the organic sector. However, the sector urgently needs new cultivars that are resistant to the most important disease late blight (Phytophthora infestans). In addition organic farmers require cultivars adapted to low nitrogen levels and with good quality. Under the Dutch maritime climate with high late blight pressure, an organic cultivar should mature mid-early not to be exposed too long to the late blight to prevent break down of resistance. The cultivar needs to produce 40 tonnes/ha within 90-100 days, and should also be less vulnerable to other diseases such as Alternaria and Rhizoctonia, and should be well storable and with a good flavour!
Green Breeding
From 2009 onwards this project runs under the research program Green Breeding and is financed by the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs. The central breeding program is executed in Wageningen and in Kraggenburg (in the North East Polder).
Download the Green Breeding Programme Brochure here and read our Green Breeding_Bioimpuls newsletter here.
Coordination and contactperson: Peter Keijzer