Revolution in potato cultivation: Genome decrypted - big differences discovered!

Revolution in potato cultivation: Genome decrypted - big differences discovered!

Südamerika, Südamerika - On April 16, 2025, researchers of the LMU Plant breeding research made groundbreaking progress in the analysis of the potato genome. They reconstructed the genomes of ten historical potato varieties, which decrypted 85 percent of the variability of all cultivated potatoes. Despite a limited gene pool, the reconstructions show significant differences between the individual chromosome copies that can be challenges for traditional breeding.

The potato, which is now a staple for over 1.3 billion people worldwide, has to struggle with marginal breeding successes. Many of the potato varieties used today come from far past times. The complex genetic structure of the potato, which consists of four genomes per cell, ensures additional difficulties in breeding. The team led by Professor Korbinian Schneeberger decided to use historical varieties that were already grown in the 18th century. This new method is based on current techniques could support the breeding of future varieties.

progress in genome research

The examined material illustrates that the genetic pool of the potato is extremely limited. Bottle-neck effects created by the import from South America significantly reduced the gene pool, especially by diseases such as the bulbous rot. These results are in line with the findings of a consortium of almost 100 scientists who almost completely sequential the potato genome in a comprehensive project. According to Pflanzenforschung.de , the researchers recorded 86 percent of the total of 844 million base pairs and identified 39,000 protein-encoding genes. The combination of the genetic dates of two genetically different variants enriched the knowledge of the evolutionary development of the potato.

The genom sequencing was supported by classic sequencing methods and cytogenetic analyzes. Microscopic examinations of the potato cells enabled a detailed analysis of the chromosomes during cell division, whereby special coloring methods helped to distinguish generate and more genetic regions. These studies identified important genes, which not only influence the development of potatoes, such as the stamp and formation of the tuber, but also the susceptibility to pests and diseases. The findings are intended to help improve the breeding of disease -resistant potato varieties.

meaning for breeding

Knowledge of the genome sequences is crucial for the future of potato breeding. In view of the challenges of fungal and bacterial infestation, which are among the greatest cultivation problems, the new analysis process could play an important role. The path to improve breeding technologies could be paved by these innovative approaches, which is of enormous importance for global food production.

The results of this research were published in the renowned journal "Nature". They not only represent an important step in plant research, but also a significant progress for agriculture in the sense of nutritional certainty of the growing world population.