The global potato industry faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices, particularly within the storage sector, where energy consumption, food waste, and environmental impact are significant concerns. As commercial potato storage facilities scale up to meet global demand, their environmental footprint grows accordingly, making sustainability an urgent priority. Potato storage[Read More…]
Across Regions
EWRN Workshop: Global experts unite to tackle wireworm challenges in potato production
The European Wireworm Research Network (EWRN) will host a workshop on July 7th at the Scandic Fornebu Hotel in Oslo, Norway, focusing on wireworm infestations in potato crops. Keynotes include experts discussing management, challenges, and risk assessment. Country updates and scientific posters will be presented, and participants will engage in collaborative discussions. This event aims to unite researchers and professionals in addressing wireworm issues.
Carlos Ochoa: Rightfully named the ‘Indiana Jones’ of the potato world
The latest installment of Krishak Jakat’s ‘Seed Heroes’ series honors Peruvian scientist Carlos Ochoa for his significant contributions to understanding and improving potato varieties. Known as the “Indiana Jones of the potato world,” Ochoa’s adventurous expeditions led to the discovery of numerous wild potato species. His work has greatly enhanced crop resilience and food security in Peru and beyond. Ochoa’s legacy is celebrated on International Potato Day, 30 May 2024.
International Potato Day: Celebrating diversity, nutrition, sustainability and hope in a global staple crop
The International Potato Day, to be first celebrated on May 30th following a UN resolution, honours the potato’s versatility and significance as a staple food. The German Potato Industry, employing 110,000 people, is the largest EU producer with 264,700 hectares of cultivation. Potatoes are rich in nutrients, highly versatile in cooking, resilient, and sustainable. The event underscores their role in global nutrition, food security, and reducing ecological footprints, according to a recent press release issued jointly by German potato organizations UNIKA and DKHV.
New era in plant breeding: Ohalo’s ‘Boosted Breeding’ technology a game changer for global agriculture
Ohalo has unveiled Boosted Breeding™, a groundbreaking new technology set to revolutionize global agriculture. This innovative system allows plants to inherit the complete genetic composition from both parents, resulting in offspring with enhanced traits, such as increased disease resistance and drought tolerance. Early trials indicate potential yield gains of 50-100%+. The technology also enables the generation of genetically uniform seeds for crops traditionally not grown from seeds, like potatoes, offering a scalable, cost-effective alternative to vegetative propagation.
How to make irrigation water as effective as rainwater: This new technology might be the answer
Rainmaker.Earth, a South African-based technology company, is revolutionizing agricultural irrigation by mimicking natural rainfall, improving water and soil quality. Their advanced oxidation process enhances water absorption, reduces runoff, and boosts soil health, benefiting high-demand crops like potatoes. This sustainable approach supports biodiversity, reduces chemical use, and promotes efficient water use. Rainmaker.Earth is expanding globally, offering farmers a sustainable, effective irrigation solution that enhances crop yield and quality.
The fascinating intelligence of potato plants: Insights researchers are confirming, but farmers already know
The concept of plant intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture, highlighting potatoes’ ability to perceive and respond to environmental stimuli through complex biochemical processes. This intelligence allows potatoes to adapt, communicate, and solve problems, such as optimizing root systems and photosynthesis. Recognizing these abilities can advance farming techniques, making them more sustainable and productive. Recent studies underscore how potatoes utilize these capabilities for nutrient uptake, pathogen resistance, and overall survival, offering strategies for precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
WPC24 welcomes climate advocate Dr. Anika Molesworth as Ambassador and radio icon Leith Forrest as MC
The World Potato Congress 2024 announced Dr. Anika Molesworth as the WPC24 Ambassador and Leith Forrest as the Congress MC for their upcoming event in Adelaide from June 23-26. Molesworth, a renowned agriculture and climate advocate, will deliver a keynote on sustainable agriculture. Forrest, celebrated for his radio work and charity involvement, will engage attendees with his expertise and community commitment. The Congress aims to enhance global discussion on sustainable potato farming and climate solutions.
Glyphosate under fire: Scientists struggle to find effective alternatives, experts warn of unintended consequences
Amid concerns about glyphosate, the most used herbicide globally, scientists struggle to find safe, effective alternatives, according to a Genetic Literacy Project (GLP) article by Andrew Porterfield and Jon Entine. Their analysis reveals exaggerated health concerns and underscores glyphosate’s proven safety. However, existing substitutes lack efficacy, increasing costs and environmental risks. The authors argue for a balanced, research-driven approach to replacing glyphosate.
Spuds in crisis: Climate change hits European and global potato industry
Climate change is severely impacting potato crops globally, causing price surges and jeopardizing farmers’ livelihoods. Heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts have led to reduced yields, lower quality, and increased disease. From Canada’s significant losses to Europe’s crop declines and similar struggles in Africa and South America, the global potato industry is under stress. This crisis highlights the urgent need for action against climate change to protect food security and the agricultural sector.
Unlocking potato plant defenses: Calcium’s role in fighting bacterial wilt in potatoes
Researchers have found that calcium significantly boosts resistance in potatoes against bacterial wilt, a pathogen impacting global potato production with annual losses of $19 billion. The study demonstrates calcium’s potential as soil amendments to counter bacterial wilt. Researchers noted a correlation between calcium levels and disease resistance, suggesting new integrated disease management avenues with focus on calcium enrichment strategies. This could lead to advances in potato breeding and agricultural practices aimed at enhancing disease resistance.
New partnership in agri-tech: Tolsma-Grisnich and Invaro Group collaborate on cutting-edge sorting technology
Effective May 1, 2024, Tolsma-Grisnich and the Invaro Group will collaborate intensively in optical sorting for potatoes and onions. Tolsma-Grisnich will manage all commercial and service aspects of the Schouten Optica Q and CS globally, while Invaro Group continues developing and producing Optica technology. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to offer advanced, quality-enhancing solutions to growers and processors.
‘The potato: A journey through time, cultures, and challenges’
This article, authored by Lukie Pieterse for UN Today, briefly explores the potato’s evolution from a wild Andean plant to a global dietary staple. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the piece delves into the crop’s role in human civilization, agricultural innovation, and its adaptability across varied climates. The narrative discusses the potato’s impact on societies, culinary traditions worldwide, and its ongoing adaptation to environmental challenges, as well as its crucial role in global food security and cultural diversity.
‘From hand-pulling to high tech’: The balancing act of sustainable weed management in modern farming
Jon Entine’s article published by the Genetic Literacy Project (GLP) discusses the evolution of weed management in agriculture, from primitive methods to modern biotechnological advances. While chemical herbicides and GM crops have increased yields and efficiency, concerns about environmental and health impacts persist. Organic advocates promote more sustainable practices like crop rotation and biological controls. Entine stresses the need for an evidence-based, integrated approach combining traditional and innovative methods to ensure agriculture’s sustainability and safety.
Pioneering study highlights need for climate-resilient potato cultivars amidst global warming
A study by researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, reveals significant challenges potato cultivation faces due to climate change. The research team underscores the importance of developing stress-tolerant potato varieties to maintain global food security amid rising temperatures, drought, and increased pest incidences. The study includes advancements in understanding potato plants’ molecular responses to environmental stress, critical for breeding resilient cultivars.
Scotts Precision Manufacturing Ltd: A leader in innovative root crop and vegetable harvesting systems
Scotts Precision Manufacturing Ltd, established in 1994, specializes in innovative root crop and vegetable harvesting and cleaning systems. Utilizing advanced 3D design and state-of-the-art manufacturing, they offer a diverse range of equipment, including the Evolution Separator and Microlift Pro, to a global clientele. Recently, they expanded their market presence with dedicated websites for USA and French-Canadian customers. Their continuous commitment to quality and innovation secures their leadership in the agricultural industry.
Message on a spud: The rise of Potato Parcel and other startups that challenge conventional wisdom
An article by Veeksha Dechamma in Jumpstart discusses five unconventional startups that challenge traditional business ideas, highlighting Potato Parcel as an example. Founded in 2015, this company lets customers send messages on potatoes, an idea that gained traction after featuring on Shark Tank. Potato Parcel, now worth US$1.75 million, offers various customizable options and encourages recipients to plant the potatoes they receive.
Global flavors, local tastes: The creative twist on McDonald’s fries around the world
Fast food in America is known for its consistency, but McDonald’s international outlets offer a delightful array of variations, particularly with French fries. McDonald’s adapts to global tastes, resulting in unique offerings like gravy-loaded fries in Australia and sweet corn-seasoned fries in the Philippines. With over 38,000 locations, the company ensures local flavors meet the iconic McDonald’s experience, making their fries not just famous but culturally versatile too.
