The first GMO potato that is resistant to the PVY virus is said to go on sale to the public next year in Argentina. It is the result of 20 years of biotechnological research. The potato’s productive and economic benefits are estimated at 45 million dollars per year in the Argentine market alone.
This transgenic potato is the result of an achievement by Technoplant, a subsidiary of the Sidus group of companies.
On August 8 of 2018, this new potato variety reportedly received all the phytosanitary approvals that was required under law in Argentina. On December 10 it was officially launched at the ‘la Rural’ trade show in the presence of Government officials, scientists, and entrepreneurs in the agro-industry in Argentina.
Globalpotatonews.com quoted Marcelo Argüelles, president of the Sidus group, as saying: “the Spunta TICAR potato is the culmination of a long process, and it is the realization of this country’s first transgenic plant. We arrived first – and that implies we have to continue working to contribute more similar solutions to the potato sector.”
In addition to increasing productivity and having a better quality, this type of potato is said to ‘prevent losses in producing, which can decrease by 70% due to less viral infection, and also offer environmental benefits, as producers of the potato will need to use less agrochemicals.‘
