New potato varieties with late blight resistance, reduced bruising and improved processing quality

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Late blight (LB) is the most important potato disease. Tuber bruising also causes losses and cold-induced sweetening (CIS) in tubers can result in acrylamide formation after high-temperature cooking to make crisps or chips. We are making genetically modified Maris Piper (MP) potato lines carrying 3 LB resistance genes (so the resistance should be more durable) and a "silencing" construct to prevent bruising and CIS in tubers. From screening >100 such MP lines, in 2 years of field trials, we will identify a lead line ("PiperPlus") that carries all LB resistance genes, and with bruise and CIS-prevention in tubers. We will select 20-30 lines that carry the desired traits and suitable molecular characteristics. These will be tested in the field in 2019, to prioritize 5-10 lines for larger scale field trials in 2020. We will thoroughly assess LB resistance, tuber properties, yield and molecular properties to select a lead line suitable for regulatory appraisal and commercialisation.