Webinar Summary
Presented by the PAA Breeding & Genetics Section, this webinar will provide a brief introduction on how potato breeding programs around the country are converting conventional potato cultivars to diploids which will widen access to desirable genetics. Following this, we will provide an update on the most advanced breeding strategies and clones that are currently in development as part of this collaborative effort.
Learning Objectives
After participating, attendees will have a better understanding of:
- the process and timeline involved in developing TPS and di-haploid lines
- the benefits of working with diploids and tetraploids
- resources available to researchers interested in integrating diploid breeding into their programs
Unanswered Questions from the Webinar
Q: Is there a streamlined way to evaluate cytoplasm type using mid-density genotyping?
Han Tan response - Yes, it would be no different than other DNA markers, just need to be designed.
Q: Have you tried test F1 hybrids? What is your expectation on offspring uniformity?
Dave Douches response - In my talk I showed an F1 population that was a cross between two homozygous lines (phu x ver). The F1s were highly uniform.
Q: Do you expect any non-technical barriers for commercial acceptance? If so, how might the industry/community address these barriers?
Dave Douches response: I don’t expect any barriers to diploids. The 2x potatoes we are selecting look just like 4x potatoes.
Q: Do you use genomic selection in your programs?
A: Laura (UMN) and Jeff (UW) are doing this, but not currently at UMaine. Dave (MSU) has not used this yet.
Webinar Presenters
David S. Douches
Michigan State University
David S. Douches, with over 40 years of experience in potato breeding, genetics and biotechnology, has an active potato breeding program directed toward the development of improved cultivars in Michigan for 38 years. The focus of the program is to develop new cultivars for Michigan’s potato industry by integrating genetic engineering/ gene editing with conventional breeding efforts. Key traits targeted for improvement Colorado potato beetle resistance, disease resistance to scab, late blight, PVY, blackspot bruising and chip processing from long-term storage. This breeding and biotech effort has expanded to include diploid breeding. He was also director of the USAID-funded Global Biotech Potato Project for Africa and South East Asia and the lead scientist in developing four potato SNP arrays used by the potato breeding and genetics community.
Han Tan
University of Maine
Han Tan is a plant geneticist at the University of Maine and leads the diploid potato breeding program which interface closely with UMaine’s conventional potato variety development and enhancement program as well as with the USDA ARS Eastern potato breeding program. The focus of their program is to improve the potato haploid induction and inbreeding process for diploid potato. They are also interested in developing disease resistant potato that fit Maine potato grower and industry needs by utilizing genetics and genomics technology that are available to us.