The International Potato Center (CIP) announces the development and protection of the improved variety CIP-MATILDE protected under plant variety protection certificate Nº 0577 issued by National Institute for the Defence of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi), resulting from a breeding program that incorporates new sources of resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), derived from wild species as part of the utilization of genetic resources conserved in its global germplasm bank
CIP-MATILDE combines high yield potential with resistance to late blight and strong culinary qualities for fresh consumption, making it a promising alternative for both producers and consumers.
Its introduction promotes crop diversification in the central highlands of Peru, strengthening sustainable agriculture and contributing to improved farmer livelihoods. Furthermore, it represents an innovation aligned with the principles of CGIAR, by promoting equitable access, generating impact through strategic partnerships, and supporting smallholder farmers in building resilient food systems.
Agronomic Performance
Under experimental conditions, CIP-MATILDE reaches yields of up to 60 tons per hectare, while under farmers’ field conditions it averages around 30 tons per hectare, demonstrating stable performance.
The variety has an intermediate maturity cycle (approximately 120 days) and exhibits a semi-erect growth habit with a branched plant architecture.
Resistance and Resilience
CIP-MATILDE shows high resistance to late blight, one of the most significant threats to potato production. This trait enables a reduction in fungicide use, lowering production costs and supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.
It represents a resilient option against emerging diseases and a key ally within farmers’ production systems.
Tuber Characteristics
The variety produces tubers with beige skin and white flesh, uniform, elongated, and with good commercial appearance. Tubers have shallow eyes and a dormancy period of approximately 90 days.
Culinary and Market Qualities
CIP- MATILDE offers good taste and excellent performance when boiled (suitable for fresh consumption), with a floury texture associated with its high dry matter content (27.62% on average).
It is well suited for local and regional markets, where it has shown strong acceptance among both farmers and consumers.
Adaptation
The variety is adapted to the central Andean highlands, between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level, performing well under variable climatic conditions and within family farming systems.
Evaluations conducted in the regions of Junín and Huancavelica confirm its stability, strong agronomic performance, and acceptance by producers. It was also selected through participatory trials with farmers, ensuring its local relevance.
Benefits for Farmers and Food Systems
This variety offers significant benefits for farmers by contributing to increased productivity, reduced production costs, and improved resilience to adverse conditions.
Additionally, it generates positive impacts on food systems by strengthening food security, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving access to improved varieties, and supporting the development of more inclusive value chains.
Intellectual Property and Access
CIP has applied for plant breeders’ rights to manage dissemination through non-exclusive licensing agreements. This approach ensures the production of quality seed and broad availability.
CIP does not enforce intellectual property rights on smallholder farmers, who are free to save, exchange, and sell small quantities of seed, thereby supporting their livelihoods and food security.
Availability
The variety is available and shared under the framework of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to ensure global access.
References
- CGIAR (2021). Intellectual Assets Management Report
- International Potato Center (CIP). Breeding program data and variety development documentation