Corona is forcing potato breeding companies and trading houses to think about a different set-up of the traditional variety shows this year. A number of companies opt for an event online, others have decided to postpone the shows for a year. In this series on Akkerwijzer, the companies talk about their showpieces and challenges. Today in part 7: Meijer Potato. “We strive for a ‘certain’ potato.”
Meijer Potato responds to the needs of the market in the development of varieties, while listening to the entire chain. It is no longer just about a potato with the highest yield, but also a variety that is resistant to pests and diseases, offers harvest security, can handle water efficiently and has a long shelf life, says R&D manager Guus Heselmans. “By making varieties genetically stronger across the board, you grow a potato with an insurance premium, as it were. We strive for a potato that is ‘certain’. ”
Reduction of crop protection products
Varieties that are increasingly being used are varieties that can be grown with fewer ‘tools’, says Heselmans. Meijer Potato is putting three phytophthora-resistant varieties in the spotlight this season: Lady Jane, Acoustic and Sound. “With phytophthora-resistant varieties, it should be noted that you have to manage the resistance properly, it is not a guarantee,” says the R&D manager. “If phytophthora is about to break through, you have to intervene. In any case, these varieties give a (significant) reduction in crop protection products. Although you are never completely free of resources or foliage destruction. ”
The Lady Jane is a stress-resistant variety of chips, easy to grow and with a high yield, Heselmans explains. “In addition, this variety of chips has a good dry matter content and achieves a beautiful baking color throughout the storage period. This mix of properties makes Lady Jane a potato that scores well with French fries producers. ”
Due to its robustness and stress resistance, the Sound variety is a table potato variety that gives a high yield in all climatic zones, he continues. “Sound can be recognized by the long oval tubers and a beautiful light yellow skin.” The Acoustic is a tasty potato that can easily be part of the chain. This potato gives good yields on both lighter sandy soil and heavier clay soil, says Heselmans. The three varieties are also suitable for organic cultivation.
Growing potatoes locally
Although Meijer Potato is at the front of the chain as a potato breeding company and focuses mainly on the future, the company is noticing the consequences of the corona and economic crisis around it. The importance that a variety is distinctive in the sale of potatoes has now become even greater, says Heselmans. “The stronger a variety is, the stronger you are in the market. You also have to act on the situation. This may be that if a border is closed somewhere, you start growing a potato locally and that different requirements are set for such a variety than in the Netherlands. ”
– Stress-resistant and easy to cultivate
– Resistance against Phytophthora
– Extremely high yield per hectare
– Good dry matter content
– Maintains a good colour after cooking
Examples of countries where local cultivation is already taking place are South Africa, the United States, New Zealand and Canada. The question is to what extent corona will structurally lead to more local cultivation, says Heselmans. The local infrastructure must be suitable for this. “But everything is tied together. When customers such as the French fries industry have problems, we eventually notice that too. ”
