Scientists from James Hutton Institute to attend this years British Potato event
Different strains of potato
Scientists from The James Hutton Institute will be at British Potato, the potato industry’s premier event, on 19-20th November.
Here, we will be showcasing cutting-edge molecular innovations that are transforming the way breeders select for key traits, and to explain why these innovations are essential for building a more resilient, productive and sustainable industry.
Our researchers are developing new molecular markers, specific sequences of DNA that can be used to identify particular traits or characteristics in plants, for resistance to potato cyst nematode (PCN), late blight and virus diseases, all of which pose huge challenges for growers and breeders alike.
“Molecular markers now sit at the core of modern breeding programmes, allowing breeders to screen for resistance genes without having to expose plants to disease. This not only saves time and resources but also helps breeders unravel the complex genetic control behind important traits, ultimately enabling smarter parental choices and more dynamic and effective cross-breeding programmes.”
Dr Vanessa Young, Head of Molecular Diagnostics
Currently, the Hutton’s breeding programme uses universally transferable KASP™ markers, that have been developed in-house and commercialised by Hutton Scientific Services, the commercial arm of the Hutton. While KASPs remains a cost-effective alternative to traditional disease screening, scaling up across large early-generation breeding populations remains a limiting factor, so it tends to be restricted to the later stages of breeding programmes.
The team is now investing in MAXY-ID, a new high-throughput genotyping platform designed to automate DNA extraction and analysis and dramatically cut the time and cost of testing, enabling thousands of clones to be screened at early breeding stages. It is a potential game-changer across the entire crop science sector, including potato breeding.
The Hutton is internationally renowned for its potato science and is the UK’s biggest R&D centre for potatoes. Its National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC) works in partnership with academics, industry and government in the UK and beyond to carry out scientific research to future proof the potato industry and support economic resilience and growth. It develops solutions that will help ensure the future of potato as a sustainable and profitable crop that provides nutritious food for all and supports the British economy.
Visitors to British Potato will also be able to find out more about the Commonwealth Potato Collection (CPC), housed at the Hutton. It is one of the world’s most valuable collections of potato genetic resources, capturing the full spectrum of natural potato diversity and harbouring vital genes for disease resistance, drought tolerance and climate resilience.
“At a time when climate change and evolving pest pressures threaten food security, the CPC’s genetic wealth has never been more valuable. Visit the stand to discover why this unique collection is a critical resource for breeding potatoes of the future and why its preservation matters more now than ever.”
Gaynor McKenzie, Commonwealth Potato Collection Curator
For more information, contact Press Officer, Joyce Reid at joyce.reid@hutton.ac.uk or on 07931 551 988.
