How to Choose the Right Potato Variety for Your Farm?

Selecting the right seed potatoes is one of the most important decisions when planning your harvest. The variety you choose determines not only the yield but also the quality, disease resistance, and suitability for different market needs.

Key Factors When Choosing a Potato Variety

1. Maturity Group

   • Very early varieties – ideal for those who want the fastest harvest and to supply the market early. Harvest is possible within 60–70 days.

   • Medium-early varieties – the most popular choice for stable yields. They mature in about 80–90 days and are better suited for storage.

   • Late varieties – best for long-term storage and processing (chips, starch production). They mature in 100–120 days and usually provide higher yields.

2. Purpose of Cultivation

   • Table potatoes – intended for direct consumption. Taste, tuber shape, and cooking type are essential.

   • Processing – varieties for chips, fries, or starch require a higher dry matter content.

3. Yield and Tuber Quality

   • Consider average yield per hectare, uniformity, skin quality, and eye depth.

4. Resistance to Diseases and Pests

   • Certified seed potatoes ensure lower risks of viruses, nematodes, and other diseases.

   • It’s worth selecting varieties with higher resistance to late blight, scab, or tuber rot.

5. Storage Properties

   • If potatoes are intended for storage until spring, choose varieties that sprout later and maintain good quality longer.

Why Certified Seed Potatoes Are Important

Only certified seed potatoes guarantee varietal purity, high quality, and reduced disease risks. This means stable yields and better return on investment.

Conclusion

When choosing a potato variety, consider: maturity group, cultivation purpose, storage requirements, disease resistance, and market demand. The right choice will ensure higher profitability and a better-quality harvest.