Den Hartigh sells a wide range of potato varieties. Through years of knowledge of and experience in various markets, we know the most important properties. In addition to yield, resistances to diseases and pests are also an important starting point. In our breeding program, crossing such resistances into new seedlings is one of the objectives.
Potato virus Y
Resistances and diseases: potato virus Y
Resistances by market
For the organic market, Den Hartigh has developed potato varieties with resistance to Phytophthora, for the export market strongly common scab resistant varieties with a high yield and for the French fries market varieties that have good resistances against potato cyst nematodes, wart and tobacco rattle virus. The newly developed varieties are strong against virus Y, which is appreciated by our seed producers.
Potato virus Y (PVY)
In recent years, the virus Y has been an issue. The early flights of aphids and a unfavorable starting situation make it a common disease within Dutch seed potato cultivation. The virus is spread by aphids and gives the seed a probability of declassification or rejection. During the field inspection or post-harvest control carried out by NAK. In ware potato production, severe loss of yield due to virus Y can occur.
Primary and secondary infections
We speak of primary infection when aphids (vector) are going from one plant to the next. You only need one plant with virus and the spreading has started. When tubers from the previous production became infected and showing symptoms in the field we are speaking about a secondary infection. The symptoms of secondary infestation are clearly visible because the whole plant shows symptoms. This ranges from light mosaic to crinkling and from dotted stripe to dying lower leaf stages. There are many differences in sensitivity to virus Y. The NAK divides the varieties into groups. Where group 1 is susceptible, group 2 less susceptible and group 3 hardly susceptible.
Strict selection
In the breeding process we pay attention to virus Y. Highly susceptible seedlings are removed, as well as seedlings that do contain virus, but show no or minimum symptoms. Due to strict selection Den Hartigh has a number of potato varieties in NAK group 3: Granola and Connect. Because Prada and Gaya are still relatively young varieties, they are placed in group 1. We expect Prada and Gaya to also end up in NAK group 3.
