Introduction

Potato production from true potato seed (TPS) is emerging as a promising alternative to the traditional method of using seed tubers particularly in developing countries. This innovative approach leverages the botanical seeds of the potato plant, offering significant advantages in terms of cost, disease management and scalability. Unlike the conventional method, which relies on planting whole or cut tubers, TPS involves the use of small, lightweight seeds produced through sexual reproduction. This method has the potential to revolutionize potato farming, especially in regions with limited access to high quality seed tubers or where economic and logistical constraints hinder traditional practices. TPS is set to boost global food security, reduce farming costs and support sustainable agriculture in the face of climate challenges

What Is True Potato Seed (TPS)?

Definition: True Potato Seeds (TPS) are small botanical seeds produced by potato plants through sexual reproduction, formed inside berry like fruits after flowering. Unlike seed potatoes, which are cloned tubers, TPS introduces genetic diversity allowing new traits to emerge and requires only 25–100 grams per hectare compared to tons of tubers.

Purpose: TPS enables potato production in areas with limited access to quality tubers, empowering small farmers with affordable storable seeds. It supports breeding for disease resistance, climate adaptability and nutrient rich varieties, meeting diverse needs from commercial farming to local food security.

History and Origins of TPS

TPS has roots in the Andes where indigenous communities used potato seeds for cultivation and cultural practices 7,000–10,000 years ago. Modern TPS development began in the 1950s in India, pioneered by researchers aiming to overcome tuber related disease and storage issues. By the 1970s global institutions advanced TPS for developing countries with trials in the 1980s–1990s showing high yields in Asia and Africa. Recent milestones include hybrid TPS varieties launched in the 2010s and the first registered TPS varieties in Canada in 2024, marking a shift toward commercial adoption.

Production Technique of TPS

Producing TPS involves cross pollinating selected potato varieties, often using one variety as the female and another for high pollen production. Parents are planted in separate fields with males sown earlier to align flowering using specific spacings to optimize growth. Flowering requires long daylight, sometimes aided by extra illumination in low land areas. Pollination is done manually or with bees followed by harvesting berries after 60–70 days. Seeds are extracted by crushing berries, fermenting the pulp, washing and drying to low moisture levels. Storage at cool temperatures (3–7°C) with high humidity ensures viability while field inspections and isolation maintain quality. Modern methods like aeroponics produce clean minitubers for hybrid TPS enhancing scalability.

Stages of True Potato Seed Development

Importance and Benefits of TPS

Yield Impact: TPS can boost yields by 20–30% in resistant varieties with trials showing significant gains without chemical inputs making it a game changer for smallholder farmers in challenging environments.

Disease Management: Being free from tuber borne diseases like late blight and viruses, TPS reduces pesticide use by up to 50%, promoting healthier crops and lower environmental impact through resistant hybrids.

Economic and Sustainability Benefits: Lightweight TPS cuts transport and storage costs, requiring only grams per hectare and supports year round availability. It fosters biodiversity and nutrient enhanced varieties, aligning with eco-friendly farming goals for a changing climate.

Potato Reproductive Biology and TPS Production Pathway

Challenges in TPS Adoption

Genetic Variability: Sexual reproduction causes variable crop traits, which can affect uniformity and market appeal, challenging commercial farmers who prefer consistent tubers.

Production and Agronomic Issues: TPS seedlings grow slower, needing longer seasons and careful management, while environmental stresses like heat or drought demand precise farming techniques.

Access and Skepticism: High costs, limited seed availability in developing regions and farmer unfamiliarity slow adoption, with some growers hesitant due to perceived risks in transitioning from tubers.

Innovations and Future Outlook

Hybrid TPS varieties, developed by companies like Solynta, offer uniform, non-GMO crops with disease resistance, using minimal seed quantities for large scale planting. Advanced gene editing tools like CRISPR enhance traits like drought tolerance and nutrition, while aeroponics ensures virus free production. Recent initiatives, including major funding in 2025 and partnerships in Africa aim to scale TPS for smallholders. By 2030,TPS is expected to help achieve 750 million tons of global potato production, focusing on climate smart, nutrient rich varieties to combat hunger.

Global Impact and Role in Food Security

TPS supports millions of smallholder farmers, particularly in regions like Uganda and India, by improving access to quality planting material and boosting rural economies. Biofortified TPS varieties, rich in iron and vitamin C address malnutrition in Africa and Asia. With potential to transform the multi billion dollar seed potato market by 2030, TPS reduces chemical use and enhances resilience, making it a cornerstone for sustainable agriculture amid climate change.

"True Potato Seeds spark a new era in agriculture, blending ancient heritage with modern innovation to grow resilient crops and nourish a hungry world sustainably."