Avebe, BASF to Develop Blight-Resistant Potatoes

FOXHOL, The NetherlandsAvebe and BASF Plant Science announced an alliance in genetically modified potato breeding. Specifically, the companies will join forces to research and develop fungal-resistant starch potato varieties. They will start developing a late blight-resistant amylopectin starch potato. The companies expect the first varieties to be on the market by 2019.
Innovation is of major importance to Avebe and is a crucial part of our strategy. The use of biotechnology offers new possibilities for the development of crops with better composition and starch content, as well as resistance against diseases," said Gerben Meursing, Managing Director of Commerce from Avebe. Higher yields per hectare and a better control of fungal diseases will lead to a more sustainable production of starch potatoes and starch processing."
We are proud to partner with the world´s leading potato starch company. This cooperation ensures European potato farmers the access to best traits," said Marc Ehrhardt, Senior Vice President, BASF Plant Science. The cooperation underlines our strategy and our aim to increase efficiency in farming by bringing BASFs competence in plant biotechnology to farmers around the world in cooperation with the best partners."