UNITED KINGDOM—The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC), an international team of scientists from industry and academia in 14 countries, released a draft sequence of the potato genome that could revolutionize the breeding programs.
Access to the potato genome sequence, the “genetic blueprint” of how a potato plant grows and reproduces, is anticipated to assist potato scientists in improving yield, quality, nutritional value and disease resistance of potato varieties. More importantly, the potato genome sequence will permit potato breeders to reduce the 10 to 12 years currently needed to breed new varieties.
This first draft genome assembly is available at www.potatogenome.net and updates will be made over the next six months as additional data is generated including annotation of the genes, analysis of when and where they are switched on and off, and analysis of specific suites of genes that are critical to potato production.