Innovations: Israeli researchers breed potatoes resistant to high temperatures

Developing potatoes for warm climates in Israel

Israeli researchers, led by Dr. David Levy, have achieved a significant breakthrough in agriculture by developing potato varieties capable of thriving in conditions of high temperatures and extreme dryness. These new strains, specifically designed for desert regions such as those in the Middle East, have proven viable as a commercial crop, offering a solution to the challenges of climate change and the scarcity of fertile agricultural land. Rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and micronutrients, potatoes are presented as a key alternative for ensuring food security in areas where traditional potato cultivation was unviable due to adverse climatic conditions.

Dr. Levy’s work, which began more than three decades ago at the Hebrew University of  Jerusalem , focused on identifying genes that enable potatoes to withstand heat and water stress. Using conventional breeding techniques, the team selected wild and native varieties with high heat tolerance, crossing them with commercial cultivars to optimize both yield and nutritional quality. Field trials conducted in the Negev Desert confirmed that these potatoes can withstand temperatures above 35°C for extended periods, maintaining an average yield of 30 tons per hectare, comparable to that of temperate regions.

The project, partially funded by the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and in collaboration with international institutions, has enabled the introduction of these varieties in countries such as Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. In these nations, these potatoes have been adopted by local farmers, who have reported a 20% increase in income thanks to increased productivity and reduced need for irrigation. The ability of these varieties to thrive in sandy soils with low water retention reduces dependence on intensive irrigation systems, a critical factor in arid regions where water is a scarce resource.

The impact of this development goes beyond agricultural production. Heat-adapted potatoes represent a tool to combat food insecurity in vulnerable communities in the Middle East, where rising temperatures and desertification threaten traditional crops. Furthermore, their richness in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber makes them a highly nutritious food, capable of complementing diets deficient in essential micronutrients.

Keys to growing heat-resistant potatoes

• Optimal temperature: The varieties can withstand temperatures up to 38°C, exceeding the 25°C threshold for conventional potatoes.
• Yield: Production of 25-30 tons per hectare in desert soils with minimal irrigation.
• Growing time: 90-110 day cycle, adaptable to warm seasons.
• Nutrition: They provide 2 g of protein, 17 mg of vitamin C and 400 mg of potassium per 100 g.
• Adoption: Grown in Jordan,  Egypt  and  Saudi Arabia  since 2023.

Methodology and scientific advances in cultivation

The development process for these potatoes involved a multidisciplinary approach that combined genetics, agronomy, and biotechnology. Researchers identified 59 candidate genes related to tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as heat and drought, in wild potato species native to the Andes and Mexico. Through selective breeding, 31 superior alleles were incorporated into commercial cultivars, preserving characteristics such as flavor and texture. This method, which avoids direct genetic modification, ensures the potatoes’ acceptance in markets that restrict genetically modified organisms.

The trials in the Negev Desert were conducted on experimental plots equipped with drip irrigation systems, a technology widely used in Israel to maximize water use. The results showed that the heat-tolerant varieties require 30% less water than traditional potatoes, making them ideal for regions with limited water resources. Furthermore, the plants exhibited resistance to diseases common in warm climates, such as late blight, caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, reducing the need for pesticides.

Levy’s team also developed an improved methodology to assess potato adaptation to abiotic stresses, using thermal indices and biomass measurements. This technique, published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science in 2024, has been adopted by research centers in Chile and Peru to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops. Collaboration with the International Potato Center in Lima has enabled the exchange of germplasm and knowledge, strengthening global efforts to adapt this crop to extreme environments.

In Israel, the new varieties have been integrated into government-sponsored sustainable agriculture programs to diversify agricultural production in the Negev and the Jordan Valley. As of 2023, 500 hectares of commercial crops have been established, with plans to expand to other desert regions in the next five years.

Global context and perspectives of potato cultivation

Potato cultivation faces increasing challenges due to climate change, which is increasing global temperatures and increasing the frequency of droughts. According to the FAO, global potato production, which reaches 370 million tons annually, could decline by 10% by 2050 if varieties adapted to extreme conditions are not adopted. In tropical and subtropical regions, temperatures above 25°C inhibit tuberization, affecting tuber yield and quality.

Israel’s work aligns with international initiatives to develop resilient crops. In Chile, researchers have cultivated onions in the Atacama Desert, while in Peru, the International Potato Center has identified native varieties with high drought tolerance. However, the Israeli approach stands out for its emphasis on technology transfer to neighboring countries, promoting regional cooperation in the Middle East. In 2024, Jordan reported planting 200 hectares with the varieties developed by Levy, generating employment for 1,500 farmers.

The potato, native to the Andes and cultivated for 8,000 years, is the world’s fourth most important crop, after rice, wheat, and corn. Its ability to produce four times more calories per hectare than cereals makes it a pillar of food security. However, its sensitivity to heat has limited its cultivation in arid regions, where daytime temperatures exceed 30°C. Advances led by Israel are changing this situation, allowing the potato to be grown in environments previously considered inhospitable.

The Israeli program also includes training farmers in crop management techniques, such as the use of drip irrigation and crop rotation to maintain soil fertility. Since 2022, 2,000 farmers in the Middle East have been trained, adopting these practices to improve the sustainability of their farms. This effort reflects Israel’s commitment to agricultural innovation and its role as a leader in extreme climate technologies.