Biotechnological Strategies for a Resilient Potato Crop

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to describe in a synthetic manner the most efficient biotechnological techniques which can be applied in potato breeding with emphasis on multiple resistance traits. To this end, most important results of all biotechnological techniques will be pointed out including new biotechnological tools of genome editing. The somatic hybridization will be the core of the presentation as the only non-GMO strategy with good results in transferring multiple resistances into potato gene pool. The chapter is presenting all data in a synthesized form and made comparisons between the existing techniques and their possible adoption in breeding in different parts of the world, depending on regulations and consumer choice. Moreover, the recently discovered value of potato as a healthy food and its possible applications in cancer treatment will be also discussed with new data on both potato and some of its wild relatives.

State of the Art of Genetic Engineering in Potato: From the First Report to Its Future Potential

“…There are many reports concerning successfully gene transfer of economically important genes in potato and GE varieties have been developed for a wide range of traits (Pribylova et al, 2006;Halterman et al, 2016;Zaheer and Akhtar, 2016;Hameed et al, 2018;Nadakuduti et al, 2018;Dev et al, 2021;Rakosy-Tican and Molnar, 2021). However, the use of biotechnology for potato improvement has been ultimately constrained by the regulation process and the public perception (Ghislain and Douches, 2020).…”

“…Genetically engineered (GE) potato plants, obtained by classical genetic transformation strategies or genome editing tools, with increased resistance to insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses, herbicides, abiotic factors, and/or improved nutritional and post-harvest quality were developed. Also, the production of compounds such as biopharmaceuticals, biopolymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates, spiderweb, freeze-thaw-stable potato starch, increased synthesis of lipids and even vaccines, and human proteins were reported (for reviews see Pribylova et al, 2006 ; Halterman et al, 2016 ; Hameed et al, 2018 ; Rakosy-Tican and Molnar, 2021 ). Otherwise, the elimination of antinutritional or allergenic molecules such as alkaloids, glycoproteins, acrylamide, or patatin was also addressed ( Zaheer and Akhtar, 2016 ; Hameed et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Unfortunately, the consumer apprehension affects the field cultivation of the GE varieties and their adoption in the food chain. Looking closely at the history of approved potato GE, there are examples of deregulated potatoes whose field cultivation was discontinued due to lack of acceptance ( Rakosy-Tican and Molnar, 2021 ; Bradshaw, 2021 ).…”