In response to the growing impact of climate change, federal scientists in Atlantic Canada are working to develop a new variety of drought-resistant potatoes. This innovative research, led by Burle Fofana of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, aims to harness the genetic diversity of wild Andean potatoes.
As climate change continues to challenge traditional farming practices, researchers are seeking to develop crop varieties that can withstand these changing conditions. In Charlottetown, a team led by research scientist Burle Fofana is making a pioneering effort to develop drought-resistant potatoes. These scientists are turning to wild Andean potato species known for their hardiness to find genetic traits that could be useful for North American agriculture.
Harnessing Genetic Diversity
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, there are more than 5,000 potato varieties known worldwide. Unfortunately, this vast gene pool has seen a decline in the diversity of commercial potato varieties, making them more susceptible to disease and less adaptable to climate change. Most of these commercial varieties are tetraploid and contain four copies of each chromosome, making breeding difficult due to their complex genetics.
In contrast, Fofana’s team is focusing on diploid wild potato varieties native to Peru, which have only two copies of each chromosome. This simpler genetic structure makes them more suitable for laboratory experiments and breeding. Despite their smaller size, these wild potatoes have important characteristics that could revolutionize commercial potato farming.
Promising developments in potato breeding
Since 2014, Fofana has been growing and experimenting with this diploid potato. His team has made significant progress, identifying clones showing promise in yield, tuber size and quality. “For example, we know that the starch content is quite good and the processing quality is good,” Fofana noted, highlighting the potential of these clones.
The research collaboration spans areas including Kentville, New South Wales and Chile, where 384 diploid potato clones were assessed for drought tolerance and plant maturity. Of these, nine clones were identified as early maturing and moderately late maturing and drought tolerant, and 127 were identified as late maturing.
Future steps and potential impact
The most promising 50 clones are now being transferred to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s breeding program in Fredericton. Further evaluations will be carried out here, focusing on size, shape, yield potential and handling characteristics. This rigorous evaluation will determine their suitability for commercial release or use in breeding programs.
The potential impact of this study is significant. By developing potato varieties that can grow well in drought conditions and mature earlier, farmers can achieve more reliable yields despite adverse weather conditions. This not only improves food security, but also contributes to the sustainability of potato farming in North America.
The pioneering work of Burle Fofana and his team marks a decisive step towards making potato crops sustainable in the face of climate change. By harnessing the genetic potential of wild Andean potatoes, they are paving the way for more adaptable and resilient potato varieties. As this research advances, it promises a future in which agricultural practices can better withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
