Kenya Approves Solynta’s New Hybrid True Potato Seed Variety

Solynta has received official approval to register SOLHY023, a new Hybrid True Potato Seed (HTPS) variety in Kenya, marking another milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen potato production through innovation.

The registration expands Solynta’s portfolio of HTPS varieties available in Kenya and reflects the company’s ongoing investment in developing improved potato varieties that address farmers’ production challenges. SOLHY023 has been bred to deliver stable field performance while offering multiple genes for resistance to Late Blight, one of the most devastating diseases affecting potato crops worldwide.

According to Solynta, the new variety is the result of years of scientific research and advances in hybrid potato breeding, enabling the company to continuously introduce varieties with improved agronomic traits.

“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. He noted that every new variety introduced by the company reflects years of research, collaboration and commitment, adding that SOLHY023 demonstrates the potential of Solynta’s hybrid breeding platform to provide growers with stronger disease resilience and more reliable potato production.

Unlike conventional seed potatoes, Hybrid True Potato Seeds provide disease-free planting material that is compact, lightweight and easier to transport and store. The seeds are also available year-round, making them a practical option for farmers while reducing logistical and storage challenges associated with traditional seed tubers. Through its hybrid breeding technology, Solynta aims to develop varieties that improve production stability and contribute to more resilient potato farming systems.

Kenya remains a strategic market for Solynta’s commercial expansion in Eastern Africa and serves as an important demonstration site for the potential of Hybrid True Potato Seed technology. The registration of SOLHY023 follows previous successful variety approvals and reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the country’s potato industry through continued varietal innovation.

Charles Miller, Director of Strategic Alliances and Commercial Development at Solynta, said Kenya continues to demonstrate the value of combining innovation with strong local partnerships. He said the approval of SOLHY023 not only strengthens the company’s portfolio but also builds confidence in Hybrid True Potato Seed technology and supports its expansion into new markets.

The registration was achieved through collaboration between Solynta, its local agronomy testing partner Seeds2B, research partners, regulators and other stakeholders. The company says it will continue developing improved potato varieties that enhance productivity, strengthen disease resistance and contribute to sustainable growth across the potato value chain.