Upscaling the delivery of pest resistant potatoes to East Africa

About the project

UK-registered Partner: The James Hutton Institute – John Jones
Africa-registered Partner: International Institute for Tropical Agriculture – Danny Coyne

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are devastating pests of potato. PCN is native to South America but has spread to many countries around the world. Potato is the second most important food staple crop in East Africa, where PCN has recently been discovered from potato fields, in at least three countries. There are few viable control options for this new invasive pest in East Africa.

In previous work we identified potato breeding lines that combine the traits favoured by growers and consumers in the region but with resistance to PCN. Field trials demonstrated good agronomic performance of the lines, which were also well received and favoured by growers and consumers.

This project has allowed seed production systems to be established in Kenya for preparation of seed tubers for National Performance Trials (NPTs). In addition, links have been established with plant health professionals in Uganda and an agreement made to transfer tissue culture material of the lines for future field testing.

Learn more about the project in this recording from our recent GCRF AgriFood Africa Project Showcase event.