Potato is the second most important staple food after maize in Kenya. However, the yield levels are too low at 9t/ha, compared to a potential yield of 20-40t /ha. The low yields are attributed to biotic and abiotic stresses which include inadequate quality seed and planting materials, low soil fertility, low-yielding varieties, diseases and insect pests, poor adaptability and yield stability to different environments and climatic changes among others.
In order to address these shortcomings, the University of Eldoret Don Prof. Mirium Kinyua ingeniously developed the following new potato varieties to address issues surrounding food security and the country and beyond. These potato varieties were patented and were Gazetted on the 6th of April, 2023 under The Kenya Gazette Vol.CXXV-No. 81. Some of her potato varieties include:
A. ELDO AMANI – NEW POTATO VARIETY
AMANI is a new, high-yielding variety that produces 57,000kg per acre. It has white skin and flesh preferred for preparing French Fries hence a commercial variety. It has a short dormancy of one month and early maturing at 3-3.5 months after planting.
B. ELDO BIDII-NEW POTATO VARIETY
Bidii is also another variety that’s due for release. It’s a variety good for table use, resistant to diseases majorly bacterial wilt and potato late blight. It has long dormancy of 3-4 months and matures after 4 -4.5 months. The variety is also a high yielder at 59,000kg/ acre making it a suitable variety for solving potato yield challenges in Kenya.
C. ELDO FANAKA POTATO VARIETY
Just like Bidii, Fanaka is suitable for table use and resistant to diseases also. It has a medium dormancy of 2.5 -3 months and matures at 3.5 -4 months. It has high yields of 55,000kg/acre. Potato varieties that combine both resistance to diseases and high yields contribute highly to food security.
National Variety Release Committee Release Notes for UoE potato varieties
Species: Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum)
| VARIETY NAME | RELEASE NAME | OWNER(S) LICENSEE | MAINTAINER AND SOURCE | AREAS OF PRODUCTION | MATURITY DURATION | YIELD (t/ha) | SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELDO IP1 | Eldo Amani | UOE | UOE | Altitude: 2100-2700 AEZ: UM1-3; LH 1-3; UH 1-3 Sites: ALL Potato growing counties | 3-3.5 months | 58- 60 | 1-month dormancy, white skin, white flesh, early maturing, good for chipping. High specific gravity |
| ELDO IP2 | Eldo Fanaka | UOE | UOE | Altitude: 2300-3000 AEZ: LH 1-3; UH 1-3 Sites: ALL Potato growing counties | 4-4.5 months | 59-62 | Moderately resistant to BW, resistant to Early and late blight, long dormancy, deep red skin, white flesh, good for table |
| ELDO IP3 | Eldo Bidii | UOE | UOE | Altitude: 2100-3000 AEZ: LH 1-3; UH 1-3 Sites: ALL Potato growing counties | 3.5-4 months | 55-59 | Moderately resistant to BW, resistant to Early and late blight, medium dormancy, pinkish skin, white flesh, good for table, fair for chipping |
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