The International Potato Center (CIP) is therefore pleased to announce the new biofortified potato variety: CIP–PODEROSA CROCANTE protected under plant variety protection certificate Nº 0569 issued by National Institute for the Defence of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi), developed through its breeding program in collaboration with Compañía Minera Poderosa S.A. and Asociación Pataz. This innovation reflects CIP’s continued commitment to strengthening sustainable food systems, supporting farmers, and improving food security through science and agricultural innovation.
The variety was developed through conventional breeding and has been officially recognized in Peru in 2023 as a commercial variety. It responds to the needs of farmers and markets by combining high productivity, resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and excellent processing quality for French fries.
Agronomic performance
- Average yield: Up to 50 t/ha under experimental conditions; around 30 t/ha under farmers’ conditions
- Maturity period: Medium (approximately 120 days)
- Plant characteristics: Medium-height, vigorous plants with upright growth habit and dark green foliage
Resistance and resilience
- High resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans)
- Compatible with integrated pest management; reduced need for chemical inputs
- Adapted to environments from sea level up to 3700 m above sea level
Tuber characteristics
- Skin color: Red to light red
- Flesh color: Cream
- Shape and size: Oval tubers with shallow eyes; medium to large size
Culinary and market qualities
- High dry matter (~22–23%) and low reducing sugars; low acrylamide content (~146 µg/kg in fried product)
- Excellent for French fries (crispy texture), also suitable for fresh consumption
Adaptation
- Suitable for coastal, Andean, and inter-Andean valleys
- Altitude range: 0 to 3700 m above sea level
Benefits for Farmers and Food Systems
CIP-PODEROSA CROCANTE offers a combination of agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits. Its high resistance to late blight significantly reduces the need for fungicide applications, lowering production costs and minimizing environmental and health risks for farmers and consumers.
The variety provides stable and high yields, even under disease pressure, contributing to improved farmer incomes and resilience. Its excellent processing quality makes it highly suitable for the growing French fries market, creating new market opportunities for smallholder farmers.
Overall, this variety supports more sustainable and competitive potato value chains, particularly within family farming systems.
Availability
CIP works with national agricultural research systems and partners to facilitate the responsible dissemination of improved varieties. Access to planting material is provided in accordance with applicable international agreements governing the exchange of plant genetic resources, including the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.