14 July 2011

The genome of the potato has been sequenced in a collaborative international study involving scientists from Imperial College, London and the James Hutton Institute, Scotland. The research, published on the 11th July in the journal Nature, is the first to sequence the genome of a major UK crop plant.

This new information about the potato's genetic makeup will speed up the traditionally time-consuming process of developing new varieties. Scientists are convinced that this will improve the quantity and quality of potatoes, as well as their nutritional value and resistance to pests and diseases.

The researchers behind the breakthrough have said the genome sequence will allow scientists and breeders to increase the efficiency of potato production. This will be particularly important for developing countries, where potato consumption is expanding, and which now produce more than half of the global potato harvest. The ease of cultivating potatoes and their high energy content have made them a valuable cash crop for millions of farmers in these areas.

Commenting on the publication of the potato genome, Jim Paice, UK Minister for Agriculture, said "This is a great achievement by British scientists and is fantastic news for our farmers. If we're to feed the nine billion people projected to be living on the planet by 2050 then potato crops with improved water uptake and resistance to disease and drought will be an important development."

Research co-author Dr Gerard Bishop, from Imperial's Department of Life Sciences, said "The wider crop research community has been eagerly anticipating this news; the potato genome will also help our understanding of closely related crops such as tomato, which will be of enormous benefit.

"Potato is a member of the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomato, capsicum (the peppers we all buy in the supermarket), and aubergine. As a food it is becoming more and more popular, and is increasingly important in Africa and many parts of Asia, giving it a vital role in global food security."

Dr Glenn Bryan from The James Hutton Institute, who led the UK team, said "This genome sequence is a major step forward in understanding potato biology. It will lead to accelerated breeding of new potato varieties through use of the genome data to identify genes and genetic markers for important traits".

"Use of genetics-based selection methods is very promising and technology to exploit the genome sequence immediately is already being prepared in the UK and elsewhere. In addition, an understanding of the genetic blueprint for potato gives us the option of introducing - through breeding programmes - desirable characteristics into existing varieties, such as enhanced pest and disease resistance and improved tuber quality characteristics."

Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive, BBSRC said "This is wonderful news - the potato genome will enable scientists to do research now to underpin the developments we will come to rely on in 30-40 years time.

"We must use modern research strategies as well as investigating technologies such as marker assisted breeding and genetic modification so that we can know what is required to ensure sustainable increases in crop yields.

"Genome sequencing is one of most important strategies we have at our disposal and with recent progress in data storage and accessibility it will be possible for plant breeders to identify the best genetic sequences to target and so accelerate breeding programmes."