Scientists study potato genetics

The scientists want to map chromosome four of the potato

Scottish scientists are aiming to unlock the genetic secrets of the potato.

The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), near Dundee, hopes to map chromosome four of the root vegetable.

The scientists would then know where genes responsible for colour, shape, and disease resistance are positioned.

The new research is part of a number of projects looking at how to produce improved varieties of potato, barley and wheat.

The SCRI scientists are sharing in £15m of funding for the research.

One five-year European Union project will study ways of reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilisers needed on crops, therefore minimising its negative impact on the environment.

'Next generation'

Dr Glenn Bryan said: "Potatoes are one of the more difficult crops to breed new varieties, which is why you still see varieties created many decades ago on sale in supermarkets.

"Sequencing the potato genome will really improve our ability to breed new varieties."

Staff will also study the process of sexual reproduction in the plants to improve certain qualities.

Dr Luke Ramsay explained: "If plant breeders are going to make the most of the variation there is, they need to be able to control how that variation is being passed on to the next generation of barley.

"What we would like to be able to do is nudge the process towards certain goals."

Professor Robbie Waugh added: "All of the projects have the aim of improving crop varieties, which not only benefits agriculture but ultimately the consumer through improved food products."