A major milestone for Olmix: Dutch company HZPC, the global leader in the development and marketing of potato varieties, has demonstrated the unmatched performance of Algomel® foliar biosolutions and their exclusive R-SEANERGY® technology (a red seaweed extract developed and manufactured by Olmix) in enhancing marketable yield. The results highlighted by HZPC provide further proof of the effectiveness of Olmix technology and its significant economic value for potato growers.
Algomel® solutions addressing the challenges of the potato sector
Potato variety breeding is a highly sophisticated process aimed at delivering varieties that strike the best balance between:
- Industry and consumer expectations, such as flavor, appearance, uniformity, and processing quality (frying or steaming).
- Grower profitability through satisfactory marketable yield and good storability.
- Sustainability traits, including nutrient and water use efficiency, environmental stress and disease tolerance, contributing to reduced input usage.
The expression of each variety’s genetic potential then depends on grower know-how and, of course, soil and climate conditions.
However, with the increasing frequency and intensity of weather-related stress, constraints on the potato crop cycle are rising, negatively impacting yield, quality, and profitability. Simultaneously, the progressive withdrawal of conventional chemical solutions is narrowing the toolbox available to growers for safeguarding crop performance.
In this context, the sector is actively exploring alternative technical solutions—particularly biosolutions. Among them, Olmix’s Algomel® range, based on concentrated red seaweed extract and trace elements, stands out:
- Algomel® PUSH: contains R-SEANERGY® red seaweed extract and manganese to support tuber initiation
- Algomel® PROACT: contains R-SEANERGY® red seaweed extract and monomeric silica for uniform tuber development
- Algomel® SHIELD: contains R-SEANERGY® red seaweed extract and micronized copper to enhance tuber dry matter content
Unmatched performance among tested solutions
Multiple years of field trials conducted in partnership with the leading Dutch cooperative Royal Agrifirm and the SPNA AgroResearch experimental center—further confirmed by HZPC’s internal evaluations—have shown that the Algomel® stimulation program increases the average number of tubers per plant by 7.8% and boosts marketable yield by 5.4%.
Varieties such as Innovator, Cardyma, Libra, Quintera, and Travolta all showed a significant response to the Algomel® program, with notable improvements in dry matter content as well.
As emphasized by Agrifirm and confirmed by HZPC: “ Among all evaluated solutions, the Algomel® program has demonstrated the most consistent performance”, whatever the climatic conditions.
The Algomel® stimulation program for potato production relies on three core products – PUSH, PROACT, SHIELD – and includes five foliar applications in the case of seed potato production:
- Algomel® PUSH: 3 foliar sprays at 1.5 L/ha starting 7 to 10 days post-emergence, spaced one week apart, to support tuber initiation.
- Algomel® PROACT: 1 spray at 2 L/ha at tuber bulking stage (BBCH 40) to ensure uniform tuber development.
- Algomel® SHIELD: 1 spray at 0.5 L/ha during tuber bulking (BBCH 45) to enhance dry matter content.
A key advantage for growers : Algomel® biosolutions can be easily combined with fungicides (treatments against Phytophthora, for example), meaning no additional passes are required.
Benefits for the sector and ambitions for Olmix
Based on the results obtained with the Algomel® program, the average net economic benefit for seed potato producers in 2024 exceeds €2,100/ha.
From an environmental standpoint, boosting production through inputs derived from bio-based, renewable sources—manufactured with minimal greenhouse gas emissions—helps reduce the required cultivation area and lowers the carbon footprint per ton of potatoes produced.
Beyond seed potato production, these trials also demonstrate the potential of the Algomel® range across other market segments (processing industry, fresh market, early-season potatoes). Depending on the crop’s end use, the balance between the three Algomel® products (PUSH, PROACT, SHIELD) can be tailored accordingly.
According to Charles MARCHAND, Executive VP of Olmix Plant Care Division: “ This recognition of our technology’s performance—and by extension the expertise of Olmix’s teams—is already translating into a threefold increase in our sales across the Benelux in Q1. The seed potato market, and beyond it the broader potato sector, is highly strategic, and we fully intend to build on these initial successes to accelerate our development.”
About HZPC:
HZPC is a leading Dutch company specialized in the breeding, production, and marketing of seed potatoes. Founded in 1898, it currently supplies over 900,000 tons of seed potatoes annually across 96 countries. With a network of more than 1,000 growers and over 400 employees, HZPC is known for its strong commitment to varietal innovation and sustainability. The company invests heavily in research every year to develop varieties that meet both climatic challenges and evolving market needs. As a global leader, HZPC plays a pivotal role in the agri-food value chain.
