Novaseed is a Chilean potato breeding and seed development firm that focuses on research, genetic enhancement, and the development of potato varieties for various production situations and market demands. The firm is based in Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region, Chile, and runs a potato breeding program focused at generating varieties with traits suitable for present and emerging potato markets. Its varieties are generated using traditional breeding and selection procedures, with no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the breeding processes.
Novaseed performs breeding work in Puerto Varas and selects across other agroclimatic locations to determine varietal adaptability. In addition, the company uses inoculation trials and molecular-marker techniques to assess responses to important potato diseases and pests such as late blight (Phytophthora infestans), common scab (Streptomyces scabies), potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida), and potato virus Y (PVY).
The firm operates in Canada and the United States, where three kinds are commercially accessible and more than 20 are said to be undergoing agronomic assessment. Trauko-NS, Adara-NS, and Kaia-NS are registered as plant breeders' rights in Chile and produced under the country's seed certification scheme.
Potato varieties and seed-related offerings include:
- Trauko-NS – late-maturing, red-skinned variety for fresh consumption, with medium-to-high yield and tolerance to drought and certain diseases.
- Kaia-NS – medium-maturing, red-skinned variety with early to semi-early tuberisation, high and uniform tuber production and high yield under high-technology growing conditions.
- Adara-NS – medium-maturing, red-skinned variety with early to semi-early tuberisation, uniform tuber production and high yield.
- Certified potato seed – the three named varieties are produced under Chile's varietal seed certification program.
- Potato breeding and agronomic evaluation – development and testing of additional varieties for different environmental and market requirements.
