Climate change / water use efficiency / population growth
Challenge
Agriculture currently accounts for approximately 70% of global water usage. As climate changes rainfall and temperature patterns, the availability of water becomes increasingly important to farmers worldwide. When our changing climate is combined with population growth, it is clear that the status quo is not sustainable.
Solution
The potato is very efficient with water, producing more energy and protein per hectare than any other staple crop. For example, rice requires about 5 times more water to produce the same amount of kilograms. Our hybrid breeding technology allows for the production of varieties that are resilient to climate change.
Climate change / disease / late blight
Challenge
As climate changes, so will agricultural pests and diseases. For instance, late blight, (Phytophthora infestans), a disease that globally affects potato production significantly and continuously mutates its own structure. This makes it even harder to combat. Resistance in tetraploid varieties takes a long time to develop. Consequently, the development of resistance against a recently mutated pathogen will take a lot of time.
Solution
By using our hybrid breeding technology, Solynta can quickly, within 2-5 years, develop new varieties that are resistant against changing pathogens in every region.
Chemical usage / disease resistance / new breeding technique
Challenge
Historically, traditional potato breeding has made limited advancement in the last century in the development of robust new varieties that can withstand diseases and reduce agricultural chemical usage.
Solution
Targeted hybrid breeding for pest and disease resistances can dramatically reduce chemical usage by farmers and speed up the release of better adapted varieties. Taste, texture, cooking time and many other characteristics can be adjusted quickly to meet changing consumer demands.