New potato varieties with late blight resistance, reduced bruising and improved processing quality
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Sainsbury Laboratory
Abstract
Late blight (LB) is the most important potato disease. Tuber bruising also causes losses and cold-induced sweetening (CIS) in tubers can result in acrylamide formation after high-temperature cooking to make crisps or chips. We are making genetically modified Maris Piper (MP) potato lines carrying 3 LB resistance genes (so the resistance should be more durable) and a "silencing" construct to prevent bruising and CIS in tubers. From screening >100 such MP lines, in 2 years of field trials, we will identify a lead line ("PiperPlus") that carries all LB resistance genes, and with bruise and CIS-prevention in tubers. We will select 20-30 lines that carry the desired traits and suitable molecular characteristics. These will be tested in the field in 2019, to prioritize 5-10 lines for larger scale field trials in 2020. We will thoroughly assess LB resistance, tuber properties, yield and molecular properties to select a lead line suitable for regulatory appraisal and commercialisation.
Organisations
Publications
| Description | We have identified the Phytophthora infestans (late blight) effector molecules that are recognised by the new resistance genes we isolated from Solanum americanum (Rpi-amr1 and Rpi-amr3). We have also just identified an additional resistance gene Rpi-amr4. Using Rpi-vnt1, Rpi-amr1 and Rpi-amr3, we have made transgenic Maris Piper that is completely blight resistant but also has a yield that is indistinguishable from wild type Maris Piper. However, in field trials at NIAB, these lines were susceptible to PVY. Since we have cloned a strong PVY resistance gene (Ry), we are adding Ry to the stack of other genes for an additional superFollowonFunding proposal. This proposal was successful and the project is underway |
| Exploitation Route | transgenic late blight resistant potatoes |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| URL | https://www.tsl.ac.uk/news/blight-resistant-maris-piper/ |
| Description | We have partnered with agbiotech startup BioPotatoes to commercialize lines carrying the cloned resistance genes We have identified a line that could be a product if regulatory frameworks would enable this we have publicized this at https://www.tsl.ac.uk/news/blight-resistant-maris-piper/ |
| First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Impact Types | Economic,Policy & public services |
| Description | Farmers Guardian July 22 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | message regarding blight resistant potato "Genetic innovation is a crucial driver of productivity gains in agriculture, in reducing the environmental footprint of food production and in reducing the need for additional land to be brought into cultivation for supply to match growing demand. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Interview on Radio 4 Today program re GM crop regulation post Brexit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Interview on Today program re GM crop regulation post Brexit |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |