A UK research initiative, TuberGene, spearheaded by B-hive Innovations, is set to revolutionize the potato supply chain through precision breeding techniques. Funded by the UKRI's National Engineering Biology Programme, this project seeks to employ gene editing to tackle the challenges faced by the potato sector and ensure its sustainable future. The UK's potato industry, generating approximately five million tonnes annually, encounters obstacles such as a high volume of non-commercially viable potatoes and a shift in consumer preferences towards faster-cooking food options.
Recent legislative changes permitting the commercial use of gene-edited crops offer a promising avenue for industry transformation. TuberGene's objectives include minimizing bruising-related discoloration and reducing cooking time for potatoes, aiming to improve product quality, decrease food waste, and align with consumer demands. Barbara Correia, a principal research scientist at B-hive, stated, "This project leverages the bioinformatics expertise in our business and the genome sequencing allows us to build a pipeline to address other issues in potato farming, such as disease resistance, as we move towards the creation of a 'Super Spud'."
She further highlighted the project's potential to extend its benefits to other crops, thus supporting the broader UK fresh produce sector and enhancing global food security.
Source: potatonewstoday.com
