Researchers from Imperial College London and international colleagues have decoded the genome of the potato
Adapted from a news release issued by BBSRC - 11 July 2011 The genome of the potato has been sequenced in a collaborative international research study involving scientists from Imperial College London, published today in the journal Nature . The potato is the first major UK crop plant to be fully sequenced. This new information about the potato's genetic makeup will speed up the traditionally time-consuming process of developing new varieties. Scientists are convinced that this will improve the quantity and quality of potatoes, as well as their nutritional value and resistance to pests and diseases. In addition, the genome sequence will allow scientists and breeders to increase the efficiency of potato production. This will be particularly important for developing countries, where potato consumption is expanding, and which now produce more than half of the global potato harvest. The ease of cultivating potatoes and their high energy content have made them a valuable cash crop for millions of farmers in these areas.
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