Scientists at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands and representatives of the hybrid potato company Solynta have discovered the Sli potato gene, which facilitates crop selection. The scientific journal Nature Communicatiuons writes about this.
This made it possible to solve the problem with the impossibility of inbreeding different lines of the root crop. The gene was discovered through genetic analysis and genome sequencing. It was introduced into culture using hybrid selection. The researchers then crossed with his donor an incompatible line of diploid potato, in which each cell contains a complete set of chromosomes from both parents. Thanks to this, the plants became compatible with each other, which is why Sli also received the name of the self-compatibility gene.
In the future, scientists plan to create new variants of a useful gene. According to them, this will improve the taste and stability of the crop and increase the efficiency of irrigation. We also note that their discovery made it easier to improve the potato, which was previously a difficult task due to the complexity of its genome. In addition, the researchers want to apply the new knowledge to other nightshade crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, tobacco and others. To do this, they will conduct additional research.