Russia Accelerates Development and Certification of New Domestic Potato Varieties in 2026

In 2026, Russia is actively advancing the creation and certification of new domestically bred potato varieties. The Federal Research Center of Potato named after Lorkh has developed a new mid-early variety, “Alfa,” distinguished by its red skin, yellow flesh, resistance to viruses, and potential yield of up to 60–65 t/ha under irrigation; the variety has already been submitted to the State Commission for testing. Several other new varieties have been added to the State Register of Breeding Achievements, including “Konkurent” and “Shudbur” for the Volga-Vyatka region, and “Mira,” a two-colored-skin variety from Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University approved for cultivation in four regions. Meanwhile, scientists at Gorsky State Agrarian University have bred “Farn” and “Adeon,” varieties resistant to heat, drought, and viruses, addressing the needs of hotter climates.

Alongside breeding efforts, seed production and certification continue to expand. In Stavropol Krai, Rosselkhoztsentr is continuing the certification of seed-growing farms, with the greenhouse complex “Meristemnye Kultury” producing healthy seed potatoes (super-elite) of 11 varieties, including Valentina, Volzhanin, and others. This combined push — from new variety development to certified mini-tuber production — reflects a broader national effort to strengthen Russia’s domestic seed supply, reduce reliance on imported planting material, and ensure reliable yields across diverse climatic zones.