Meristem Technology Enables Production of Virus-Free Potato Seed Material

Farmers in the Novgorod region are harvesting potato mini-tubers grown using meristem technology, a specialized method used to produce virus-free seed material. This year, production reached 707,000 units, surpassing previous figures. These tubers will serve as the foundation for the first field-grown generation of potatoes in the spring of 2025. The Meristem Process The primary goal of this technology is to eliminate viral, bacterial, and fungal infections at the earliest possible stage. The process follows a strict sequence: Laboratory phase: Micro-plants are grown in a sterile environment from the meristem, the plant's growth point. Greenhouse phase: In June, 22,000 seedlings were moved to greenhouses to build biomass and develop tubers. Harvest: Each root yields up to 10 uniform mini-tubers. After harvesting, the tubers undergo a two-week "healing period." This specific hold is required to develop a thick skin, which prevents rot and disease during storage. Once cured, the material is manually sorted by size and moved to climate-controlled warehouses.