For many years we have talked about progress in potato breeding. New breeding techniques such as cis-genese, and crispr-cas did not have a significate impact on the overall potato industry. In North America old varieties; Russet Burbank, Norkotah, Ranger, and Atlantic are still the standard.
There is also a lot of talk about hybrid breeding, though very successful in corn and other crops, it is just at an introduction and trialing phase with potatoes.
Why is it so difficult with potatoes to see progress and have success with new forms of breeding? Can we expect to see substantial and meaningful changes in the near future?
This session will look to the past to help explain the future as we navigate the difficulties that come with revolutionizing potato breeding.
Jan van Hoogen, The Potato Ambassador, Agrico B.V.