Using a technique known as embryo rescue, the researchers mated S. pinnatisectum with a derivative of a commercial U.S. potato. Embryo rescue involves removing the normally developing embryo from the failing, developing seed and placing it on a culture media that will sustain its growth. A hybrid from the rescue can be used by breeders as a maternal parent in a mating with cultivated potatoes. Until now, these wild Mexican species have been difficult to cross with most other cultivated or wild species. But it's worth doing because the wild species have genetic resistance to viruses, insects, fungi and nematodes.
Early blight is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani.
Resistance to both blights is important to reduce reliance on fungicides. In trials, the hybrid also resisted the Colorado potato beetle. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of the Grand Forks Herald is expressly prohibited.