PiperPlus is a precision-bred version of the popular UK potato variety Maris Piper, developed by The Sainsbury Laboratory to retain the agronomic and culinary qualities of Maris Piper while incorporating enhanced disease resistance. The variety possesses resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), Potato virus Y (PVY), and Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) through the introduction of resistance genes from sexually compatible wild potato relatives.
These traits reduce reliance on fungicide and insecticide applications, improve crop resilience, and support more sustainable potato production. PiperPlus maintains the processing quality, yield potential, and consumer characteristics of conventional Maris Piper while offering improved protection against major potato diseases. In 2026, it became the first precision-bred potato approved for marketing in England under the UK's Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act.
Key characteristics:
- Parent variety: Maris Piper
- Crop type: Maincrop
- Primary use: Fresh market and processing (chips/French fries)
- Disease resistance: Resistant to late blight, Potato virus Y (PVY), and Potato leafroll virus (PLRV)
- Breeding technology: Precision breeding (cisgenesis using genes from cross-compatible wild potato relatives)
- Advantages: Reduced pesticide requirements, improved disease resilience, sustainable production, and retention of Maris Piper's desirable tuber quality and processing characteristics.
