New potato varieties with late blight and potato cyst nematode resistance, reduced bruising and improved processing quality

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The potato crop is at risk from late blight (LB) and potato cyst nematodes (PCN). We will deploy a stack of 3 genes for LB resistance and 2 genes for PCN resistance, using a chlorsulfuron resistance allele of ALS (ALS-SR) as a selectable marker. Tuber quality is damaged by bruising; a tuber-specific RNAi construct that silences polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) reduces this damage. Cooking of crisps and French fries in oil can create acrylamide if tuber levels of asparagine and reducing sugars are high; these levels can be reduced with a tuber-specific RNAi against asparagine synthase and vacuolar acid invertase. Thus, three tuber-specific RNAi genes provide low acrylamide and bruise control (trait LABC1).

The project comprises (i) assembly of 5 multigene T-DNA constructs (LB1, PCN1, LABC1, LB1 + LABC1 and LB1 + PCN1 + LABC1) (ii) creating enough transgenic events to identify potentially commercial lines for LB1, for LB1+LABC1, and LB1+LABC1+PCN1 (iii) verification of gene transfer, expression and phenotypes in these lines (iv) field trials of select lines. GoldenGate cloning enables assembly of multigene DNA constructs, using restriction enzymes BsaI and BpiI, provided sequences in the assembly lack endogenous Bsa I and Bpi I sites.

Construct LB1 carries ALS-SR and 3 genes for LB resistance. Construct PCN1 carries ALS-SR and two genes for PCN resistance; transformants will be tested to verify construct efficacy. Partner Simplot will verify efficacy of construct LABC1.

For LB1, for LB1 + LABC1, and LB1+LABC1+PCN1, we will make at least 100 transformants of Maris Piper and Agria, with the top 5 lines of each being taken forward. We will assay transgenic shoots for lack of vector DNA backbone, and verify expression and phenotype for each gene.

We will thus make potato lines that address LB, PCN and tuber quality challenges, with benefits for growers, processors and consumers, and partner to bring these to market.

This work will have the following impacts.
1. We will take substantial steps towards enabling UK, European and other potato growers to be able to plant varieties with durable blight and nematode resistance. This might enable land that cannot be used for potato production due to high PCN levels to become usable again for potato cultivation.

2. Consumers and the processing industry will benefit from low acrylamide levels in oil-cooked potato products, and reduced waste due to bruising. Acrylamide is a neurotoxin and high levels are troubling for potato processors and home fryers (http://www.food.gov.uk/policy-advice/acrylamide_branch/).

3. There will be substantial environmental benefit from much reduced use of fungicides and nematicides.

4. Delivering GM potatoes with clear-cut and wide-ranging benefits will help win public support for GM crops, and hence retailer and political acceptance. In support, we will provide a detailed website and engage with the public to communicate the benefits provided by GM crop improvement, building on the effective PR surrounding our successful GM potato field trial that recently (Feb 2014) gained widespread coverage in the broadcast and print media. In particular we will emphasise that thanks to GM methods, we can greatly reduce losses to disease and the amount of spraying required to control crop pests and disease. For each potato problem tackled in the project with GM methods, we will explain the problem to the layperson, we will explain the solution, and we will explain why it would be very difficult to solve the problem any other way. This will contribute to public understanding of the technology. The project will assist the development of a UK-based commercial crop biotech business, with potential global reach, and show the UK is open for GM business.
It will be vital throughout to pay particular attention to both potato industry and public awareness and attitudes. In addition to the proposed project website, we will plan consultation programs, in cooperation with British Potato Council, covering (i) farmers, (ii) processors and retail buyers, and (iii) the general public. We will aim to maintain an open dialogue with all interested parties.

5. We will increase the currently limited opportunities available to train UK post-docs in commercially focussed biotech R&D.

6. The project will enhance the standing of the UK as a leader in crop biotech both in Europe and more widely.

7. In the medium/long term the project technology should contribute significantly to global
Food security and the development of crop varieties better adapted to climate change.

8. Finally, the project if successful will be used by our industry partners BioPotatoes and Simplot to establish themselves as a successful crop biotech company without (unlike BASF) the constraints of being part of an agchem company with extensive and highly profitable interests in potato fungicides. BioP already has detailed knowledge and close links with potential partners in a number of other countries, especially Russia, which has recently announced that the cultivation of GM crops will be permitted from May 2014.

9. We will write up and publicize the results of our field trials, with (we hope) comparable impact to the publication of our potato trial that ran 2010-2012. Prof. Jones will continue to engage in multiple outreach activities. He speaks regularly on GM at public meetings, and has been an outspoken advocate of GM solutions to crop problems
University of Leeds will continue their frequent presence at the Innovation Centre of The Yorkshire Agricultural Show and other events. Further public engagement will be undertaken as in the past e.g. BBSRC funded Discovery Zone event at University of Leeds in March 2010 and an exhibit at the Science Museum in London. Leeds will continue their commitment to open lectures, Café Scientifique meetings and other means of science communication.