Buster – A Breakthrough in Sustainable Potato Production

Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) has long been a costly and persistent threat to potato growers. In response, Teagasc and the IPM Potato Group set out to tackle the problem at its roots. Leading to a breakthrough that could reshape how this pest is managed

A green boxing glove beating the rock 'PCN' that symbolises the effect of Buster against PCN

Challenge: Potatoes at Risk – the PCN Challenge

Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN), comprising Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida, is one of the most economically damaging pests in potato production. It can persist in soil for decades, dramatically reducing yields and rendering land unsuitable for seed and ware potato production. With the withdrawal of many nematicides from the market, growers faced limited options for managing PCN, especially in infested soils.

This created an urgent need for a sustainable, genetic solution — one that could not only resist PCN but potentially reduce its presence in the soil.

an Image of Buster potatoes, three laying on dirt horizontally

A green boxing glove with 'PCN Buster' written on it

Solution: Introducing Buster

A PCN resistant variety, Buster, was developed through the Teagasc-IPM Potato Breeding Collaboration. It was developed using marker-assisted selection (MAS) – a genomic breeding technique that allows researchers stack multiple resistance genes efficiently.

Key features of Buster:

Resistant to G. rostochiensis and “stacked” resistance from six different genes to G pallida
Low nitrogen and irrigation requirements
Good yields of bold, uniform long-oval tubers
Excellent resistance to late blight (Phytophthora spp.)

Additional benefit:

Trials show Buster can reduce PCN populations to near undetectable levels, effectively breaking the nematode lifecycle and allowing non-resistant varieties to be grown in previously infested soils.

Impact: A Sustainable Solution at Scale

Buster is the result of stacking six resistance genes – a feat that would have taken decades using conventional breeding, the use of MAS reduced development time to just 10 years. While Buster is at an early stage of commercialisation, stakeholders in the potato sector have been quick to identify the value of the variety due to its strong pest and disease resistance profile. The reduced input requirements and resistance to PCN make Buster a model variety for climate-smart agriculture.

Buster’s ability to cleanse PCN-infested soil opens new possibilities for crop rotation and potato production on previously unusable/unsuitable land. With fewer nematicides available, Buster offers a non-chemical solution to a persistent pest problem. Because over 50% of European potato land is affected by PCN, Buster has strong export potential and relevance for international markets.

A green glove holding a Buster potato, with the IPM Potato Group logo at the wrist loop system.

A circular logo. The circular outline is made up of five different colours, From top to bottom; Dark green, lime green, yellow, orange and light brown. Inside the circular outline, is a handshake. Underneath the handshake there is text 'Engage @ Teagasc', followed underneath by 'Industry Collaboration, Entrepreneurship, commercialisation'.