Texas A&M Released New Duncan Russet Potato Variety

The latest potato variety from Texas A&M aims to protect harvests against damaging virus infections.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Agriculture

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a russet potato against a stark background, evoking agricultural research and development. — The Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program has released the Duncan Russet, a new variety engineered to resist potato virus Y and protect crop yields. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program has officially released the Duncan Russet, a new potato variety engineered to provide resistance against potato virus Y. This virus can cause significant crop damage, with potential yield losses reaching up to 80 percent.

Why it matters

By offering growers varieties that resist common diseases, the program aims to help farmers lower their input costs and improve market competitiveness. These developments are essential for maintaining stable food production in an industry where diseases can devastate yields.

The Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program has generated more than 11 million dollars in licensing revenue while maintaining 245 advanced lines. The program now supports 150 licensed companies across the U.S. and Canada.

The players

Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program

This agricultural research initiative works to develop new crop varieties that provide better resistance and economic value for commercial growers.

The details

Developing a new, viable potato variety is a complex process that can take more than a decade of research and testing. The program utilizes large-scale trials conducted with Texas growers to ensure the new varieties meet market standards before commercial release.

The program began releasing commercial varieties in 1998.
The Duncan Russet potato was released in September 2026.

Market Landscape

This release follows the established pattern of agricultural innovation set by the program's commercial variety release cycle. It reinforces the institution's role in competing with other public breeding programs in Colorado, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.

The introduction of disease-resistant varieties like the Duncan Russet helps stabilize potato supply chains and production costs for farmers. For the average consumer, these advancements contribute to more consistent market pricing and availability of high-quality produce.

The takeaway

Agricultural breeding programs are essential for protecting food security against viral threats that can decimate harvests. Farmers should continue to monitor new variety releases to optimize their planting strategies and reduce financial risks associated with crop disease.