Nairobi: The Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) is advancing the development and testing of a blight-resistant genetically modified (GM) potato variety aimed at safeguarding Kenyan farmers from significant crop losses. The potato late blight disease poses a major challenge, with potential yield losses reaching up to 30 percent if not adequately managed.
According to Kenya News Agency, KALRO, in collaboration with the International Potato Centre (CIP), has been testing the 'Shangi' potato variety, which demonstrates high resistance to blight without requiring fungicides. The testing has been conducted in three potato-growing regions: Muguga in Kiambu, Njambini in Nyandarua, and Molo in Nakuru County. During a recent media tour at the GMO potato Confined Field Trial (CFT) site at KALRO Muguga, Dr. Moses Nyongesa, a research scientist at KALRO, explained the significance of the GM potato and its potential benefits for farmers.
Farmers currently combat blight through the use of costly fungicides, which carry health and environmental risks if improperly applied. Dr. Nyongesa highlighted that the biotech potato variety, under development for three years, has shown promising results, potentially reducing production costs by eliminating the need for fungicides. The technology has progressed from laboratory and greenhouse stages to confined field trials, with results submitted to the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) for approval.
Pending NBA approval, which includes public participation, the next phase involves National Performance Trials (NPT) across six major potato-growing areas. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) will conduct these trials. If commenced in October, the NPTs are expected to conclude by mid-next year, paving the way for the formal release and commercialization of the variety.
Dr. Miriam Mbiu, a plant pathologist at KALRO, confirmed that nutritional analysis of the GM potato variety showed no significant differences from non-transformed varieties in terms of proteins, carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds. The primary distinction lies in the gene conferring resistance to potato blight, with no difference in taste.
Dr. Paul Chege, a plant scientist at ISAAA Africa Centre, noted that GM crops are adopted in 29 countries, with Kenya producing BT cotton and virus-resistant cassava. The adoption of the blight-resistant potato is timely, potentially reducing farmers' reliance on fungicides and increasing yield.
Misinformation is a barrier to technology adoption, emphasizing the importance of communication between scientists and journalists to inform the public about GM crops. The Shangi variety's success could position it as a pioneering research project for unique crops in Africa.
Globally, over 43 countries consume and import GM crops, with adoption rates rising by 21 percent from 1996 to 2024. In Kenya, potatoes rank as the second most important food crop after maize, contributing significantly to the economy and employing millions, despite challenges like late blight.