Back in December, the USDA public comment period opened up for a next-generation transgenic potato variety developed by Simplot. The previous Simplot “Generation 1 Innate” potato, which reduced browning, acrylamide, and bruising, was approved by the USDA in November last year. Now they have another potato variety with more traits – Generation 2 Innate – which takes the traits of Generation 1 and adds late blight resistance and further reduces the acrylamide-generating potential of the tubers when you fry them.
There is a lot to discuss about this new variety and its traits, however, the first public comment period for USDA regulations ended last week. I was able to obtain some more information about the traits from Erik Gonring, who manages Industry Affairs at Simplot.
Late Blight resistance is an important trait, and can significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of the pesticides that are used to control this pathogen. While there is late blight resistance in other varieties of potato, what most people don’t realize is that due to market factors from growers to processors to consumers – these very different varieties will have a difficult time gaining acceptance. If the farmer can’t sell them, they won’t grow them. So getting this trait into an elite, modern variety is of tantamount importance.
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