Researchers decipher the genome of the potato

Researchers decipher the genome of the potato. Environmentalists fear the increase of genetically modified potatoes.

07/11/2011

Scientists have decoded the genome of the potato. This could specifically improve specific properties such as resistance to pests, the researchers hope. Opponents of genetic engineering fear a significant increase in the development of genetically modified potatoes.

The decoding of the potato genome allows for a variety of new approaches to the development of new potato varieties. For the first time, it has been possible to completely sequence a plant from the genus Asterids (group of Bedecktsamigen plants), write the scientists in the current issue of the journal „Nature“. The decoding of the blueprint of the potato will allow the development of genetically modified varieties with special characteristics, the researchers report. However, this is highly controversial among the population, as it has not been conclusively clarified which long-term risks can be associated with the genetically modified potatoes.

Complete decryption of the potato genome
In many parts of the world, potatoes are a staple food. Every year, more than 300 million tonnes of potatoes are harvested worldwide, according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). Potatoes have also been an integral part of the general diet in Germany since the 18th century. Nearly 100 scientists from nearly 30 international research institutions have now sequenced the genome of the potato together and their results in the journal „Nature“ released. The researchers analyzed the sequence of gene components in two genetically different potato varieties and combined the data obtained. This resulted in complete sequencing of the potato genome. The team led by Robin Buell of Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA, has also succeeded in identifying the hereditary factors that play a key role in special potato properties. For example, the researchers discovered various sequences that are crucial, for example, for the storage of starch, the protection against pests and diseases or the development of a characteristic tuber. In this way, decoding the heredity of the potato in the future could help to develop new potato varieties that provide higher yields or are better protected against diseases and pests, the researchers report.

Genetically modified potatoes are highly controversial
But the development of new, genetically modified potato varieties is still highly controversial. After the company BASF by the responsible European consumer commissioner, John Dalli, a cultivation permission for the genetically modified potato „Amflora“ environmental protection associations and numerous farmers reacted with massive criticism. The Naturschutzbund (NABU) criticized the approval of „Amflora“ as superfluous, since even conventionally bred potatoes already had similar properties as the GEN potatoes. In addition, the environmentalists warned that the implanted antibiotic resistance gene may possibly cause similar resistance to bacteria. The transfer of the corresponding hereditary traits to bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract can not be ruled out, according to the opinion of the Federal Government for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND).

Spread of genetically modified plants fears
It is also unclear how the genetically modified plants spread in the environment. Although numerous safety measures should help to avoid crossing with other potato plants. However, massive growth in the environment has not been averted from genetically modified crops such as Monsanto's Roundup Ready plants, which were made resistant to Monsanto's Roundup-Ready (glyphosate) plant killer. The so-called transgenetic contamination has reached alarming proportions and according to critics, for example, in the case of maize already „Cradle of cultivation“ reached in Mexico. In the motherland, maize dominates the largest variety of different maize varieties, but even in the remote regions, US researchers have already discovered corn contaminated with transgenic sequences. Thus, the decryption of the potato genome in the environmental associations and opponents of genetic engineering already stir new fears. While it is possible that significant improvements in growth and pest resistance could be achieved, in the same breath there is a risk of massive environmental proliferation. In addition, the conventional potatoes would be increasingly displaced by the exhaustion of the new options, not only the fears of environmental organizations but also of many farmers. (Fp)

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Genmais: Recovered contaminated seeds

Picture: Gerhard Frassa