Canadian Private Potato Breeders Network develops disease-resistant varieties, and conducts global testing

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The Canadian Private Potato Breeders Network (CPPBN) has held their 15th annual conference on February 4th 2025. It provided information regarding independent initiatives to breed potatoes throughout Canada. Breeders and industry experts took part, and focused on creating creativity by sharing genetic material and establishing stronger relationships between private breeders as well as the government-funded research institutions.

Newton Yorinori, Vice President of Ag Research Development at Cavendish Farms and Cavendish Farms, was confirmed as the Chair and President of Cavendish Farms as well as Darin Gibson from Gaia Consulting (Manitoba) as Vice Chair and Vice President as well as the Dr. Peter VanderZaag of Sunrise Potatoes (Ontario) continuing as Secretary. The leadership team is supportive of initiatives that aim to improve the development of potato varieties and solving the challenges facing the industry.

The latest news from the eight breeding programs that were conducted in Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba revealed the production of 200,000 seedlings per year. The main focus was on the creation of varieties of potatoes that are that are resistant to warts on the potato that pose a threat to Canadian production. Access to trials in the field is limited together with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Newfoundland was cited as an obstacle that required the ability to measure resistance to disease and the ability to adapt.

The members reported a breakthrough in resistance to late blight as well as virus strains like PVY and PLRV New varieties of seedlings that show resistance to field conditions. Processing potato varieties that are new have been approved in Canada which will expand the company’s cultivar collection. Canadian potato varieties are being tested across China, West Africa, as well as Kenya and are gaining international acceptance.

In 2023, a deal among private breeders with AAFC to exchange true potato seeds (TPS) of specific crosses was signed to improve collaboration in research and opening up new avenues for breeding. The agreement gives Canadian breeders to have access to an expanded genetic pool.

The CPPBN continues to work towards bridging private breeding programmes with regulatory agencies, while bringing innovations with the needs of markets and the needs of industry. The sector is making progress with disease-resistant varieties as well as breeding methods, issues like the regulatory obstacles, pressure from diseases and adaptability to climate change persist. The stakeholder community is looking at CPPBN the leadership of private breeders and for ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canadian potatoes.

Source: Potato News Today

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