Scientists from the Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University have developed a new potato variety adapted to the harsh climate. This is reported by TASS with reference to the head of the Center for Selection and Seed Production of the Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University Andrey Churakov.
“Our scientists for the first time have developed a potato variety that easily tolerates the variability of the Siberian climate, has pleasant taste and good appearance, which is important when selling the product. We have been working on the selection of this variety for about six years. And now we have completed all the tests and handed over the samples to the State Commission for Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops under the Ministry of Agriculture. As soon as our potatoes pass all the checks, farmers will be able to use them.”
Andrey Churakov – Head of the Center for Breeding and Seed Production of the Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University
Today, farmers are demanding that breeders develop potato varieties that meet new requirements. It is no longer enough to rely solely on the principle of regionalization of varieties (where certain varieties of potatoes are recommended for the region). According to Churakov, farmers need a product that will have a pleasant appearance, so that vegetables are better taken for the sale of the network.
The new variety, bred by Krasnoyarsk scientists, was named “Acrux” in honor of the brightest star in the constellation of the Southern Cross.
Also in the development of Krasnoyarsk scientists is another variety of potatoes. It can be used by manufacturers to process the product: to make chips, flakes, starch. Scientists should give the first samples of this variety to the state commission to the Ministry of Agriculture until 2025.
Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University has been breeding potatoes since the 1970s. During this time, about 40 different varieties were bred. However, they did not meet all modern requirements of consumers and manufacturers. In 2016, the university changed the concept of selection work and updated the source material.
