Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Potato

Abstract

The potato consists of two forms, Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum (long-day adapted) which is cultivated in temperate and sub-tropical climates such as Europe, USA and Asia, and Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena (short-day adapted) which is confined mainly to the Andes. Potato production represents approx. half the world annual output of all root and tuber crops and potato is the fourth most important global food crop, with an annual world production of over 293 million tonnes and covers more than 18 million hectares, grown in over 130 countries (1). Although mainly grown for human consumption, in small areas the crop is grown for livestock use and also sugar, starch or alcohol production. The potato sector worldwide is in transition, with some 30% of all production being grown in developing countries, and as such, potato is becoming increasingly important as a source of food, rural employment and income for the growing populations in these regions. Originating in South America, where a major centre of diversity exists in the Andes of southern Peru and northern Bolivia, Solanum tuberosum L. is the main, but not only, species grown as a tuber crop today. However, there is a wide geographical distribution for their cultivation and ecological adaptations. In addition, a number of tuber-bearing diploid lines, related to S.tuberosum are grown in South America, and for species such as S. phureja, can be found in limited trials within Europe.