Key Takeaways
- Solynta received official approval and registration for SOLHY023, a new Hybrid True Potato Seed (HTPS) variety, in Kenya.
- SOLHY023 carries multiple genes for resistance to Late Blight, a disease that has historically caused major losses for potato growers.
- The variety adds to a portfolio of previously approved Solynta hybrids already sold commercially in Kenya.
- CEO Peter Poortinga and Director of Strategic Alliances Charles Miller both framed the approval as a sign of Solynta’s continued breeding progress in the country.
- The approval came through collaboration with local agronomy testing partner Seeds2B alongside Kenyan research partners and regulators.
Solynta Wins Kenyan Approval for SOLHY023
Solynta has secured official approval and registration in Kenya for SOLHY023, a new addition to its Hybrid True Potato Seed lineup. The Dutch breeding company said the approval builds on a series of prior variety registrations in the country and reflects its ongoing work developing potato varieties bred for stronger field performance.
Late Blight Resistance Built Into New Variety
SOLHY023 combines stable field performance with multiple genes for resistance to Late Blight, a fungal disease that remains one of the most damaging threats to potato crops worldwide. Solynta markets its Hybrid True Potato Seeds as disease-free planting material that is compact, easier to transport and store than traditional seed tubers, and available year-round.
Solynta Executives Highlight Continued Innovation
“The approval of SOLHY023 is another important step in delivering on Solynta’s vision to improve potato production through continuous innovation,” said Peter Poortinga, Chief Executive Officer of Solynta. “Every new variety we introduce reflects years of scientific research, collaboration, and commitment from our teams.”
“SOLHY023 is more than another addition to our portfolio. It demonstrates our ability to continuously improve our hybrids and respond to the evolving needs of growers,” said Charles Miller, Director of Strategic Alliances & Commercial Development at Solynta.
Kenya Central to Solynta’s Eastern Africa Strategy
Kenya has become a key market for Solynta as it expands its hybrid breeding platform across Eastern Africa. The company credited the SOLHY023 approval to collaboration with local agronomy testing partner Seeds2B, along with regulators and research partners in the country. Solynta said the milestone reinforces its long-term commitment to supporting Kenyan potato production through continued variety development.
Beyond disease resistance, Solynta said the broader goal of its variety pipeline is more durable resistance to Late Blight, greater production stability, and more resilient potato production systems as global demand grows for reliable, high-quality planting material. The company positioned SOLHY023 as one step in that longer-term push to expand Hybrid True Potato Seed technology into additional markets.
