PI: C. Robin Buell (Institute for Genomic Research) CO-PIs: Shelley H. Jansky (USDA-ARS), Bernd M. Lange (Washington State University)
This project is focused on generating genomic resources for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Through participation in the international Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC), it will generate Genome Survey Sequences and a draft sequence of chromosome VI. This sequence, along with other potato genome sequence generated by the PGSC, will be annotated for genes and other features, and made available through a web-based portal for scientists to enable scientists to further their work on potato biology and production. Under-represented undergraduates will be trained through a project specific internship program. The general public will be educated in genomics through an educational exhibit in collaboration with the US Botanical Garden that demonstrates challenges in potato and agricultural production and how science, including genomics, can meet these challenges.
Access to project outcomes Sequence data from this project will be made available to the public through Genbank (www.ncbi.nih.gov/Genbank/index.html) and the project website (accessible through www.tigr.org/plantProjects.shtml) and annotation data will be made available through the project website.
Potato is grown for its tuber, a below-ground storage organ that is not only calorie rich but also high in vitamins. Potato is the third most important crop on a worldwide basis and is the most significant non-grain crop species. More importantly, potato acreage in developing countries is increasing due to its wide adaptability, yield, and nutrition. The primary goal of this project was to contribute to the generation of the potato genome sequence as a member of the international consortium of scientists that comprise the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium. We were successful in this goal and reported in 2011 in the premiere science journal, Nature, our analysis of the genome sequence of potato. This discovery revealed nearly 40,000 genes in the potato genome which can be used to improve our understanding of potato growth and development. Access to the entire potato genome permitted discovery of ancient genome duplications that contributed to the diversification of genes and the evolution of the tuber, a unique organ in the plant kingdom. Analysis of the genome also revealed nearly 400 genes related to disease resistance which can facilitate breeding of new cultivars with improved resistance to pests and pathogens. Due to advances in genome sequencing technology, two different potato genome sequences were generated which revealed that potato has a high degree of diversity. Several broader impacts were generated from this project. This project provided training in genomics and bioinformatics, two disciplines that are empowering biological research in the 21st century, to a number of students and postdoctoral research associates. Researchers on this project included a number of individuals from under-represented groups thereby providing an opportunity for expanding science research experiences across a diverse workforce. A research opportunity was provided to a faculty member from Penn State-Erie, Behrand College to provide experience in genomics and bioinformatics that can be ported to courses and undergraduate researchers at Behrand College. Outreach to the public included an educational display on potato, genomics and agriculture at the U. S. Botanical Garden in Washington DC that included a one-day symposium on potato. Data generated in this project has been instrumental in revolutionizing breeding approaches in potato which will be essential if we are to meet growing food demands in the 21st century.
