Reinventing potato at the diploid level

Authors: Jansky, Shelley; DOUCHES, DAVID - Michigan State University; ENDELMAN, JEFF - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2015
Publication Date: 1/10/2015
Citation: Jansky, S.H., Douches, D., Endelman, J. 2015. Reinventing potato at the diploid level [abstract]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference. Paper No. W738.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The outcrossing polyploidy nature of cultivated potato has hindered the use of genomics resources to dissect the genetic basis of agronomically important traits. Reversion to the diploid level allows us to apply powerful tools toward this effort. Parthenogenesis generates diploid cultivated potato, which can then hybridize to wild relatives, most of which are diploid. While most diploid potatoes are self-incompatible, the dominant Sli gene, found in a wild relative, allows self-pollination. We are using this gene to create a series of recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations for mapping traits of interest to breeders, including yield components, processing quality, and disease resistance. For example, using genome-wide SNP markers in an F2 population, we mapped both yellow flesh and pigmented skin color to their known locations on chromosomes 3 and 10. As we self-pollinate lines to create RILs, the SNP markers indicate that the approach to homozygosity is slower than expected. The most prevalent challenge during inbreeding is male sterility. In the field, F3 and F4 families vary in vigor and fertility, but the most vigorous families are not necessarily the highest-yielding.