3 new Innate breeds
Simplot builds phytophthora resistance in potato
The US Environmental Protection Agency and US Food & Drug Administration have given potato breeder Simplot the green light to launch three new potato varieties. These are existing varieties that the company has adapted. In addition to the already existing Innate technique with a resistance to Phytophthora infestans.
What was that again? In 2014 introduced the JR Simplot Company of Idaho the so-called Innate Generation 1 potato line with the variety White Russet. The DNA of wild potato plants was introduced into the Innate potato using cisgenesis. The result is that the tuber is less sensitive to bruise. In addition, after frying, it contains a lower amount of the carcinogenic substance acrylamide. Since 2016, the potato has also been allowed in Canada.
Simplot has launched three new potato varieties for the coming season. They are part of the second generation of Innate potatoes. These are the modified varieties Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet and Atlantic. These are three varieties that were already in the database of the US Department of Agriculture, but have now been modified.
The biggest difference with generation 1 is that the potatoes now also contain DNA that makes them resistant to phytophthora infestans. DNA from a wild potato from Argentina was once again used for this. According to the breeder, the fungicide use halves with the built-up resistance. Another novelty is that the shelf life has been extended. The chips potatoes can be stored at a lower temperature for a longer period of time without browning. According to a company spokesperson, the potato tastes exactly the same as a standard tuber. Also, the texture is exactly the same.
According to Simplot, we should not speak of a GMO potato. After all, no DNA was used from foreign organisms, but only from other potato plants. It itself speaks of 'genetically altered' (engineered) rather than modified. Not all US food organizations agree. Government organization Non-GMO says that breeders rename the varieties in order to gain acceptance in the market. To avoid discussion, McDonalds previously announced that it did not want to sell chips of the Simplot varieties.
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The first generation potato, the White Russet, is now available in American supermarkets. In addition, the company is already working on a third generation that has a broader resistance to phytophthora.
The subject was also discussed at the Potato Theme Day in Dronten in mid-February. Then Gerard Backx, director of trading house HZPC, announced that the company was considering moving part of its gene research to the US. HZPC uses the Crispr-Cas technique to come up with new varieties. In Crisr-Cas DNA is modified. Simply put, certain genes are turned on or off. Cisgenesis is the transfer of traits within a species or crossable species. If foreign DNA is used for this, it is called transgenesis. Cisgenesis can take place through traditional breeding, but is referred to as GMO.
According to Backx, the technique is used in Europe, but only for medicines. This is not allowed with plants. 'If the Americans don't find any foreign DNA in the plant, it can be put on the market there. The variety can then still end up in Europe via this route. The EU cannot stop this, he said in a statement interview. '
Niels van der Boom
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