Calif. Under the new agreement, Belknap is providing Small Potatoes with a gene discovered and re-built in his laboratory. In nature, the gene cues the potato plant to make an enzyme critical for production of a key glycoalkaloid. ARS is seeking a patent for the antisense gene. At Small Potatoes, Peter J. Joyce and colleagues will employ techniques developed by the company to move the anti-glycoalkaloid gene into potatoes, then test the tubers for glycoalkaloid levels and other characteristics. Joyce will also use potatoes, provided by ARS, that already possess the new gene.
Potatoes are America's most popular vegetable.
ARS is the principal research arm of the U.S. Department of the Agriculture. All rights reserved.