Researchers at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization have developed genetically modified potatoes that show resistance to late blight. The disease, caused by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora infestans, affects leaves, stems, and tubers and can render potatoes unmarketable. If not controlled, late blight can spread rapidly across fields.
As researcher Dr. Moses Nyongesa noted, "without control measures in place, late blight can lead to a 30% yield loss." To address this, the team introduced resistance genes harvested from wild potato species into varieties commonly grown in Kenya.
According to Nyongesa, "we now have the biotechnology potato variety that is under development at quite an advanced stage now."
The modified potatoes have undergone testing across two growing seasons in three locations. Trials demonstrated that the crop remained resistant to late blight under those conditions. Analysis also indicated that the genetic modification did not alter the nutritional composition of the potatoes.
Source: Genetic Literacy Project