Bejo has obtained breeding rights for its first true potato seed (TPS) hybrid. This new F1 potato hybrid, Oliver, can be grown directly from botanical seed and can produce a single-season table potato crop after transplanting. Oliver F1 is an oval-shaped table potato with a beautiful thin skin and a pleasant smell.
Head of Research, Bert Schrijver, comments: “Bejo breeders and researchers have been working for 15 years to develop the first tetraploid potato hybrid that grows from botanical seeds. Over the past year, Oliver F1 has been tested in fields in the Netherlands with Naktuinbouw (Dutch Crop Inspection Service) and a number of farmers. The production process has been successful and seeds of the hybrid are already available.
Growing potatoes from botanical hybrid seeds rather than vegetatively propagated tubers offers a number of benefits to farmers and others in the marketing chain. Real potato seeds are disease-free and guarantee a healthy start to cultivation. Their compactness makes them easy to transport and store. TPS are also available for planting all year round.
“The benefits of TPS are especially important for small farmers in Africa, Asia and Central America,” says Rien van Bruchem, TPS Crop Manager. for reproduction. The quality of TPS, in contrast, is usually maintained during the delivery and transportation process.”
In the near future, Bejo will focus on selected markets in these regions and will work with local partners and farmers to further develop the knowledge gained through trials and for cultivation advice. In addition, this new hybrid will also be tested in several EU countries to evaluate its relevance.
Bejo does not expect TPS to significantly impact the established vegetative seed potato sector. Growing potatoes from TPS has an advantage in relatively remote regions.
Oliver F1 is the first promising hybrid from Bejo's TPS breeding program. A number of other hybrids are also currently being developed.