PHYTOPHTHORA
INFESTANS
DOSSIER
What is Phytophthora Infestans?
Late blight also known as Phytophthora infestans, is a hot topic in the potato world. This pathogen can completely destroy a crop within just a couple of weeks. It infects the leaves, stems, and can also infect the tubers if it is not controlled by chemicals.
This devastating disease came to the US and Europe in the 19th century, causing the Irish Potato Famine in 1845. It resulted in the complete loss of entire crops for many years and, through hunger and emigration, the Irish population halved in just a couple of years (Fry, 2008).
The successful breeding of resistant potato varieties against Phytophthora Infestans is one of the most important priorities for us at Agrico Research.
The constant focus of Agrico Research: Phytophthora resistant potato varieties
Breeding for resistance
Agrico Research started breeding for resistances in the early 20th century. Watch the video to receive more insight in the different actions Agrico Research is conducting every year in the breeding process of resistant potato varieties.
Read the articles underneath for more information about Phytophthora Infestans
After years of intensive breeding work, in 2018 Agrico became the first trading company to launch a full range of Phytophthora-resistant (late blight) varieties on the market: the Next Generation potatoes. Agrico keeps adding potato varieties suitable for various segments to this range.
In this leaflet you will find descriptions of various types of reaction to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato varieties. Resistance in organic crop production is crucial for obtaining acceptable yield and quality. Agrico has an ever growing portfolio of varieties with high scores for late blight resistance.
For years, Agrico Research has been succesfully studying and breeding varieties resistant to the potato disease Phytophthora (late blight). The Next Generation range currently consists of 10 highly resistant varieties. A huge success, that especially benefits our partners and international clients.
Breeding for resistance was started in the early 20th century. Agrico Research started its breeding program in search of Phytophthora resistant varieties in the 1980s. In wild species one found an interesting source of resistance genes for the potato. People became increasingly better at introgressing these genes and preserving the other attractive characteristics of the cultivated potato.
