Solynta has secured regulatory approval for its latest Hybrid True Potato Seed (HTPS) variety, SOLHY023, in Kenya, expanding its portfolio of commercial potato varieties and reinforcing its strategy to improve disease resilience and productivity through hybrid breeding technology. The newly registered variety marks another step in the company's efforts to broaden grower access to advanced potato genetics in East Africa, a region that remains central to Solynta's commercial expansion plans. SOLHY023 joins the company's existing lineup of HTPS varieties in Kenya and has been developed to deliver consistent field performance while offering enhanced protection against late blight, one of the world's most destructive potato diseases.
According to the company, the variety incorporates multiple genes that improve resistance to late blight, supporting more stable yields and reducing disease pressure under field conditions. The release also reflects Solynta's ongoing investment in hybrid breeding technologies designed to accelerate the development of improved potato varieties. "Our objective is to continuously introduce potato varieties that help growers produce more resilient and productive crops," said Peter Poortinga, Chief Executive Officer of Solynta. "The approval of SOLHY023 highlights the strength of our hybrid breeding platform and our ability to deliver varieties with improved agronomic traits, including stronger disease resistance."
Unlike conventional seed tubers, Hybrid True Potato Seeds provide disease-free planting material that is lightweight, easy to transport and store, and suitable for year-round distribution. Solynta says these characteristics improve supply chain efficiency while giving growers greater access to high-quality planting material. Kenya continues to serve as one of the company's priority markets for demonstrating the commercial potential of Hybrid True Potato Seed technology across Eastern Africa. The approval of SOLHY023 builds on previous product registrations and reflects Solynta's long-term strategy of expanding improved potato genetics through local partnerships and regional market development.
Charles Miller, Director of Strategic Alliances and Commercial Development at Solynta, said the latest approval demonstrates the company's ability to respond to evolving grower requirements through continuous varietal improvement. The commercial rollout of SOLHY023 was supported through collaboration with local agronomy testing partner Seeds2B, alongside research institutions, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders involved in Kenya's potato sector. As demand grows globally for disease-resistant planting material and climate-resilient crop varieties, Solynta said it will continue investing in hybrid breeding to expand its portfolio and strengthen sustainable potato production systems across international markets.
