Genetically Modified Potato Research Articles

Measuring specialty crop grower willingness to pay for genetic modification and genetic editing

AbstractIn contrast to the widespread adoption of agricultural commodities modified using biotechnology, the adoption rate of bioengineered specialty crops by growers remains low. The use of bioengineered crops has been controversial since their introduction in the 1990s due to concerns about their potentially harmful effects to human health, the environment, and other socioeconomic issues. To identify grower preferences, perceived opportunities, and barriers to growing bioengineered crops, we surveyed Minnesota specialty crop growers using a web‐based survey. The survey measured whether adoption rates are influenced by the specific trait of the modification, the method of bioengineering (genetically modified [GM] vs. genetically edited [GE]), or the end use of the crop being grown (ornamental vs food). Overall willingness‐to‐pay for both GM and GE potatoes was significantly lower than for conventional potatoes, and nearly a quarter (25%) of our respondents never chose a bioengineered option no matter the benefits. Results were similar for petunias, but fewer respondents (18%) refused to consider the bioengineering option. The type of bioengineering did not have as significant an impact on adoption rate as price or end use. The bioengineered ornamental crop had a higher willingness to adopt than the bioengineered food crop. [EconLit Citations: Q160 Agricultural R & D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services. O330 Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes].

Detection and occurrence of genetically modified rice and potato in the Saudi food market.

The number of food products with genetically modified (GM) crops on the global market has increased due to advancements in genetic engineering technology. Legislation regulating the labeling and use of GM crops has increased considerably worldwide to provide consumers with health and safety assurance. It is still unclear whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are present in the food market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to a lack of scientific studies. This work was planned to detect GM rice and GM potatoes in the Saudi food market. One hundred non-labeled rice and rice product samples and 50 potato and potato samples were collected randomly from different market sites of Makkah, Riyadh and Jeddah during 2022-2023. The cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method was used to extract DNA. Viviants DNA extraction kit was used to extract DNA from rice starch and potato chips. To find GMOs in samples, CMOScreen 35S and NOS test kits were utilized. DNA-based qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to screen targets for PCR detection of GM rice sequences. The results indicated that 32 (32%) rice samples were positive for CaMV 35S promoter, while no positive result was detected for the NOS terminator. Besides, 30% of potato samples were positive for the CaMV 35S promoter, and the same samples were positive for the presence of the Cry V gene. It could be concluded that there were GM rice and potatoes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's food markets. Establishing strong regulations and certified laboratories to monitor genetically modified foods (GMF) or crops in the Saudi market is recommended.

Detection method for genetically modified potato using an ultra-fast PCR system.

Genetically modified (GM) potatoes having resistance to insects and viral diseases, low reducing sugar contents, and black spots for high quality continue to be developed. However, no GM potato has been approved as food or feed in the Republic of Korea as the country adheres to a zero-tolerance policy to unauthorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs). When the self-sufficiency rate is low, a detection method to assess GMOs in crops or other products is necessary. Therefore, a rapid method for two GM potato events (SPS-Y9 and EH92-527-1) using an ultra-fast PCR (UF-PCR) system has been developed, and its specificity, sensitivity, and applicability were demonstrated. UF-PCR can decrease the runtime of PCR by more than half of that needed in conventional methods. However, UF-PCR is not a common method for GMO analysis. This rapid detection method may be useful for GMO analyses in field conditions.

Omics Profiles of Non-GM Tubers from Transgrafted Potato with a GM Scion.

"Transgrafting" is a grafting procedure whereby a transgenic plant body is grafted to a non-transgenic plant body. It is a novel plant breeding technology that allows non-transgenic plants to obtain benefits usually conferred to transgenic plants. Many plants regulate flowering by perceiving the day-length cycle via expression of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in the leaves. The resulting FT protein is translocated to the shoot apical meristem via the phloem. In potato plants, FT is involved in the promotion of tuber formation. Here we investigated the effects of a genetically modified (GM) scion on the edible parts of the non-GM rootstock by using potato plants transformed with StSP6A, a novel potato homolog of the FT gene. Scions prepared from GM or control (wild-type) potato plants were grafted to non-GM potato rootstocks; these were designated as TN and NN plants, respectively. After tuber harvest, we observed no significant differences in potato yield between TN and NN plants. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that only one gene-with unknown function-was differentially expressed between TN and NN plants. Subsequent proteomic analysis indicated that several members of protease inhibitor families, known as anti-nutritional factors in potato, were slightly more abundant in TN plants. Metabolomic analysis revealed a slight increase in metabolite abundance in NN plants, but we observed no difference in the accumulation of steroid glycoalkaloids, toxic metabolites found in potato. Finally, we found that TN and NN plants did not differ in nutrient composition. Taken together, these results indicate that FT expression in scions had a limited effect on the metabolism of non-transgenic potato tubers.

Genetically modified (GM) late blight-resistant potato and consumer attitudes before and after a field visit

ABSTRACT Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is the most devastating disease in potato production. Here, we show full late blight resistance in a location with a genetically diverse pathogen population with the use of GM potato stacked with three resistance (R) genes over three seasons. In addition, using this field trials, we demonstrate that in-the-field intervention among consumers led to change for more favorable attitude generally toward GM crops.

Subacute toxicity studies of meals prepared from genetically modified potato overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factor in rats.

Potato tubers from genetically modified plants overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factors that exhibited improved tolerance to salt and resistance to Fusarium solani infection were characterized and evaluated for safety in a 30 day rat feeding study. Male Wistar rats were split into four groups and provided with a diet composed of 33% (w/w) of either one of the two genetically modified potatoes (GMPs), 33% of the commercial Spunta variety (Sp), or a control group fed with the basal rats' diet. The influence of the GMPs on rat behavior and overall health parameters was evaluated and compared with that of commercial potato (i.e. the Sp group) and control diet. Small differences were noticed in the chemical composition of the different tubers, but all the diets were adjusted to an identical caloric level. Results showed no sign of toxic or detrimental effects on the rats' overall health as a result of these diets. The rats fed with the GMPs meal showed hematological and biochemical compositions of the plasma comparable to the control groups. No histopathological damage nor any structural disorganization, severe congestion, or acute inflammation were noticed in the rats' tissues. Under these study conditions, the GMP diets did not induce any apparent or significant adverse effects on rats after 30 days of dietary administration in comparison with rats fed diets with the corresponding non-transgenic diet and the standard diet group. These two GMPs were therefore considered to be as safe as their commercial comparator. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Canadian consumer acceptance of gene‐edited versus genetically modified potatoes: A choice experiment approach

AbstractIn 2016, second‐generation genetically modified (GM) potatoes were approved for production and sale in Canada. In this study, we analyze how consumer acceptance of GM potatoes may be affected by various factors, including the trait introduced (i.e., the product benefits), the type of breeding technology used, and the developer of the potato using any technology. We conduct an online survey and use a stated choice experiment to collect data on consumer acceptance of GM and other potatoes in Canada. Random utility models are used to analyze the economic value consumers place on the various attributes of the potatoes. Our results show that consumers are willing to pay more for a health attribute (reduced acrylamide produced when potatoes are fried) and an environmental attribute. Respondents in general need to face discounted prices to buy potatoes created by either gene editing or GM (either transgenic or cisgenic/intragenic) technologies. However, consumers are in general more accepting of the gene editing technology than the GM technologies. Our results also show that government is the most preferred developer of the potatoes, regardless of technology. Results from this study can help guide public and private management of the introduction of new foods when the products are developed with unpopular technologies.

Farmers’ Willingness to Adopt Late Blight-Resistant Genetically Modified Potatoes

The commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops remains highly contested in the European Union (EU). While research has mainly focused on public and consumer opinions, few studies have investigated farmers’ reactions towards such crops. This study aims to determine farmers’ willingness to adopt a late blight-resistant (LBR) GM potato cultivar (Bintje) in Flanders, Belgium (n = 384). The findings demonstrate that more than half (54.7%) of the farmers have the intention to adopt this GM potato if it becomes available. Farmers’ willingness to adopt is mainly influenced by ethical concerns about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) (negative) and perceived economic benefits of LBR GM potatoes (positive). Knowledge about GM technology decreases the likelihood of being indifferent, as compared to being willing to adopt or being opposed. As such, efforts to improve knowledge alone would not be considered an effective strategy to improve adoption rates among farmers. Socio-economic concerns about GMOs, environmental benefit perceptions of LBR GM potatoes, and socio-demographic and farm variables were not significant as potential determinants of farmers’ likelihood to adopt this GM potato. Our findings lend support to a potentially favorable climate to introduce this GM potato in Flanders, Belgium, an EU region where opt-out measures to restrict cultivation of approved GM crops were not taken.

The overexpression of antifungal genes enhances resistance to rhizoctonia solani in transgenic potato plants without affecting arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

The biological control of fungal diseases through the use of genetically modified (GM) plants could decrease the input of chemical pesticides. To overcome possible losses in potato (Solanum tuberosum) yield because of susceptibility to soil fungal pathogens, researchers have developed potato transgenic lines expressing antifungal proteins. However, all GM crops must be monitored in their potentially detrimental effects on non-target soil microorganisms. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are good candidates for this type of analysis, as good indicators of a normal rhizosphere structure and functionality. In this work, we have monitored potato lines with over-expression of genes encoding peptides with antifungal properties on their effects on the soil-borne fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and AM fungi.The six GM potato lines (AG-1, AG-3, RC-1, RC-5, AGRC-8 and AGRC-12) evaluated showed higher reduction in infection indexes in comparison to untransformed plants when challenged with a highly virulent strain of R. solani. The growth of RC-1, RC-5 and AGRC-12 lines remained almost unaltered by the pathogen; which evidenced the maximum inhibition of R. solani infection. The level of root colonization by the AM fungus Rizophagus intraradices (pure in vitro isolated) did not significantly differ between transgenic and wild potato lines under in vitro and microcosm conditions. An increase in mycorrhization was evident with the addition of potato biomass residues of these GM lines in comparison to the addition of residues of the wild type potato line.In addition to the R. intraradices assays, we performed microcosm assays with soil samples from sites with at least100-year history of potato crop as inoculum source.The roots of AGRC-12 GM line showed significant higher levels of native mycorrhization and arbuscules development. In general, the potato lines apparently were less receptive to R. intraradices pure inoculum than to AM species from the natural inoculum. In this work, the selected GM potato lines did not have evident adverse effects on AM fungal colonization.

Implementing an EU opt-in mechanism for GM crop cultivation.

EMBO Reports (2019) e48036 The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the EU remains a highly polemic issue. The only GM crop event that is currently authorised is the insect‐resistant maize “MON810”. The GM potato variety “Amflora” with improved tuber starch composition was approved for cultivation in 2010, but later withdrawn. One of the main reasons that not more GM crops are authorised for cultivation is a regulatory gridlock with a recurring inability to reach a qualified majority in the designated committee for either approval or rejection [1]. Several EU member states experience domestic pressure against adoption of GM crops [2], [3], [4]. The European Commission (EC) therefore developed legislation—the Directive EU 2015/412, adopted by the European Parliament (EP) in 2015—to give member states the possibility to restrict or prohibit cultivation of authorised GM crops in their territory (opt‐out mechanism). The request to exclude a particular GM event from cultivation may be communicated to the EC after risk assessment, or after authorisation provided that the restriction is in conformity with the EU law, reasoned, proportional, non‐discriminatory and based on compelling grounds (Article 26b(3) of Directive 2015/412). To date, 17 member states and two autonomous regions have used this possibility. In parallel, the EC also proposed an analogous mechanism for the import of GM food and …

Short-Term Effects of Genetically Modified Potato on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, among other soil microorganisms, have been proposed as biological indicators of normal rhizosphere structure and functionality. This makes them a useful functional group to monitor potential risks related to the use of genetically modified plants (GMPs). In this work, the effects of transgenic potato plants, with over-expression of antifungal genes, have been analyzed in short-term experiments with AM fungi. Samples of soil from agricultural sites, where potato has been cultivated for more than 100 years, were collected. Indigenous AM communities from these soils were analyzed and used as inoculum for microcosm assays with potato lines. Genetically modified (GM) traits did not have a marked effect on intraradical AM composition, being the phylotypes of the Paraglomeraceae family which established symbiosis in roots of all potato lines in greater proportion. Our results showed no adverse effects on normal colonization by AM fungi of GM potato. However, this does not abrogate the need for in-depth monitoring of each transgenic event in the context of its target soil.

Omics analyses of potato plant materials using an improved one-class classification tool to identify aberrant compositional profiles in risk assessment procedures

The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess potato omics profiles of new varieties for meaningful differences from analogous profiles of commercial varieties through the SIMCA one-class classification model. Analytical profiles of nine commercial potato varieties, eleven experimental potato varieties, one GM potato variety that had acquired Phytophtora resistance based on a single insert with potato-derived DNA sequences, and its non-GM commercial counterpart were generated. The ten conventional varieties were used to construct the one-class model. Omics profiles from experimental non-GM and GM varieties were assessed using the one-class SIMCA models. No potential unintended effects were identified in the case of the GM variety. The model showed that varieties that were genetically more distant from the commercial varieties were recognized as aberrant, highlighting its potential in determining whether additional evaluation is required for the risk assessment of materials produced from any breeding technique, including genetic modification.

Multiplex PCR for detection and quantification of GM potato event EH92-527-1 in food

Aim - the elaboration of the protocol for the quantitative detection of genetically modified (GM) potato event EH92-527-1 in the format of duplex real-time polimerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with TaqMan® PCR technology. Material and methods. The duplex system included two types of specific DNA primers and fluorescent probes: the 1st was for identifying of the event-specific EH92-527-1 DNA, the 2nd was for identifying of the taxon-specific potato gene Stp23. The selection of PCR parameters was carried out by empirical assortment of primers and probes, Mg2+-ions, deoxyribonucleotides and polymerase stabilizing agent, primers annealing temperature and incubation time for the each cycle stage. The results of this research was the optimization of the reaction mixture composition for EH92-527-1 event and Stp23 gene fragment identification in the duplex system: 2.5× RT-PCR buffer in the presence of ROX, primers specific for the GM potato (EH92- f/EH92-r) and target taxon (GРF3/GРR3) in the amount of 250/250 and 100/100 nM, probes - 200 and 200 nM, respectively; bovine serum albumin - 0.04%; MgCl2 - 3.5 mM, deoxynucleoside triphosphates - 0.3 mM, as well as the temperature-time reaction profile (initial denaturation at 95°C - 5 minutes, the next 45 cycles: 95 °C - 20 seconds, 58 °C - 20 seconds, 62 °C - 40 seconds). Conclusion. The method for the quantitative detection of genetically modified (GM) potato event EH92-527-1 in the format of duplex RT-PCR has been elaborated. The linearity, precision, accuracy and limit of the method definition are confirmed with in vitro studies, that results testify to the method's reliability.

Molecular and genetic studies of genetically engineered potato: transformation event PH05-026-0048

Expert evaluation of genetically engineered organisms (GMO) identification methods is aimed at confirmation their adequacy with the tool and methodological base used in the institutions of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing to control market turnover and labelling of genetically engineered food. The primer system's specificity was experimentally confirmed in studies with other GM potato lines, as well as with the results of the BLAST-analysis. The efficiency, linearity and correctness of the method meet the requirements of the European Union Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed. Limit of detection and limit of quantification of GM potato line PH05-026-0048 genomic DNA were 0.019% (11 copies of the GM potato genomic DNA) and 0.06% (36 copies of the GM genomic DNA of the potato) per 100 ng of total DNA, respectively.

Altered Tuber Yield in Genetically Modified High-Amylose and Oil Potato Lines Is Associated With Changed Whole-Plant Nitrogen Economy.

Breeding for improved crop quality traits can affect non-target traits related to growth and resource use, and these effects may vary in different cultivation conditions (e. g., greenhouse vs. field). The objectives of this study are to investigate the growth and whole-plant nitrogen (N) economy of two genetically modified (GM) potato lines compared to their non-GM parental varieties and when grown in different cultivation conditions. A high-amylose GM potato line and its parent were grown under field and greenhouse conditions for one growing season in Sweden; and a GM oil potato line and its parent were grown in greenhouse conditions only. Tuber yield, above ground biomass, N uptake efficiency and other plant N economy traits were assessed. In both cultivation conditions, the GM lines produced between 1.5 and two times more tubers as compared with their parents. In the greenhouse, fresh tuber yield and N uptake efficiency were unaffected by the genetic modifications, but the GM-lines produced less tuber biomass per plant-internal N compared to their parents. In the field, the fresh tuber yield was 40% greater in the high-amylose line as compared with its parent; the greater fresh tuber yield in the high-amylose GM line was accomplished by higher water allocation to the harvested tubers, and associated with increased N recovery from soil (+20%), N uptake efficiency (+53%), tuber N content (+20%), and N accumulation (+120%) compared with the non-GM parent. The cultivation conditions influenced the yield and N economy. For example, the final fresh above-ground plant biomass and N pool were considerably higher in the greenhouse conditions, whilst the tuber yield was higher in the field conditions. In conclusion, the genetic modification inducing high accumulation of amylose in potato tubers affected several non-target traits related to plant N economy, and increased the plant N uptake and accumulation efficiency of the field-grown plants. Due to strongly increased plant N accumulation compared to the parental variety, the cultivation of the high-amylose line is expected to require higher N fertilization rates. However, starch productivity per unit land area or soil N still is expected to be higher in the high-amylose line.

Unintended effects of a Phytophtora-resistant cisgenic potato clone on the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and its parasitoid Aphidius ervi

Genetically modified (GM) plants may show unintended differences compared to the original varieties, due to the modification process. Such differences might in some cases affect non-target organisms linked to the crop into an agro-ecosystem. In this paper, we aimed to study interactions of two blight-resistant GM potato clones with the aphid species Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas, a non-target arthropod frequently feeding on potato plants and one of the major pests of that crop. One of the potato events used in our experiments caused an increased fertility of the aphids in the first generation, and consequently, a positive effect on the growth of the aphid population was estimated. When a second generation of the aphid was reared on potato leaves of the same GM event, differences in aphid fertility were no longer observed. Behavioural studies conducted in a wind tunnel using the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday indicated that neither of the two tested GM varieties had a significant effect on the attractiveness of potato plants towards the parasitoid. In planta tests proved to be sensitive protocols to detect unintended effects on a non-target arthropod; experimental results, however, indicate that these effects are not expected to be biologically relevant in this tritrophic system, if these GM events become available for commercial use in the future.

Immune analysis of cry1Ab-genetically modified potato by in-silico analysis and animal model.

The safety of feeding transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum), resistant to the potato tuber moth, to Wistar rats was examined from an immunological perspective. The genetically modified potato (GMP) was harbouring cry1Ab and nptII genes as target and selectable marker genes, respectively. In-silico analysis reconfirmed that Cry1Ab and NPTII protein sequences have no significant homology to known toxins or known allergens. The Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 20% GMP or its parental control, non-GMP (NGMP), for 90days. The consumption of GMP food did not affect the growth rate, food intake, food efficiency, and general health status of the rats. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, IgM, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IFN-γ between GMP and NGMP-fed rats. Based on such data, it is concluded that the transgenic potato had no adverse effect on immunity functions of Wistar rats.

Is it only the regulatory status? Broadening the debate on cisgenic plants

In current debates on emerging technologies for plant breeding in Europe, much attention has been given to the regulatory status of these techniques and their public acceptance. At present, both genetically modified plants with cisgenic approaches—using genes from crossable species—as well as transgenic approaches—using genes from different species—fall under GMO regulation in the EU and both are mandatorily labelled as GMOs. Researchers involved in the early development of cisgenic GM plants convey the message that the potential use and acceptance of cisgenic approaches will be seriously hindered if GMO regulations are not adjusted. Although the similar treatment and labelling of transgenic and cisgenic plants may be a legitimate concern for the marketability of a cisgenic GM plant, there are concerns around their commercialization that reach beyond the current focus on (de)regulation. In this paper, we will use the development of the cisgenic GM potato that aims to overcome ‘late blight’—the most devastating potato disease worldwide—as a case to argue that it is important to recognize, reflect and respond to broader concerns than the dominant focus on the regulatory ‘burden’ and consumer acceptance. Based on insights we gained from discussing this case with diverse stakeholders within the agricultural sector and potato production in Norway during a series of workshops, we elaborate on additional issues such as the (technical) solution offered; different understandings of the late blight problem; the durability of the potato plant resistance; and patenting and ownership. Hence, this paper contributes to empirical knowledge on stakeholder perspectives on emerging plant breeding technologies, underscoring the importance to broaden the scope of the debate on the opportunities and challenges of agricultural biotechnologies, such as cisgenic GM plants. The paper offers policy-relevant input to ongoing efforts to broaden the scope of risk assessments of agricultural biotechnologies. We aim to contribute to the recognition of the complex socio-ecological, legal and political dimensions in which these technological developments are entangled as a means to acknowledge, discuss and respond to these concerns and thereby contribute to more comprehensive and responsible developments within agricultural biotechnology.

Detection of unapproved genetically modified potatoes in Korea using multiplex polymerase chain reaction

Several genetically modified (GM) potato cultivars with improved traits such as increased amylopectin levels, decreased asparagine levels, and reduced incidence of black spot have been developed. In this study, we describe a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method specific for four GM potato events (EH92-527-1, AM04-1020, PH05-026-0048, and E12) that are unauthorized in Korea. The UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) gene was used as the endogenous reference gene. The specificity of the primer sets was evaluated using GM potatoes and other GM crops. The limit of detection in the developed multiplex PCR was confirmed to be approximately 0.04% (w/w). Thirty-three commercial products containing potato ingredients were tested by the multiplex PCR assay, and GM potato event E12 was found in one of the 33 samples. This result suggested that the developed PCR method could be used to effectively identify unauthorized GM potatoes in Korea.

Effects of a genetically modified potato on a non-target aphid are outweighed by cultivar differences

Insect–plant interactions may be unintentionally affected when introducing genetically modified (GM) crops into an agro-ecosystem. Our aim was to test the non-target effects of a late blight-resistant GM potato on Myzus persicae in greenhouse and climate room experiments and understand how position and number of R gene insertions can affect non-targets in GM events. We also aimed to compare results to baseline differences among three conventional potato varieties varying in resistance to late blight. Aphid development and survival were affected by some GM events in the first generation, though effects disappeared in the second generation. Effects were not dependent on the presence of a marker gene or the insertion of a second resistance gene. Positional effects of gene insertion influenced aphid performance on certain GM events. However, aphid fitness varied considerably more between conventional potato varieties than between Désirée and the GM events. Comparing different GM events to the non-transformed variety is relevant, since unintended effects of insertion can occur. Our protocols can be recommended for in planta risk assessments with aphids. Ecological perspective is gained by selecting several measured endpoints and by comparing the results with a baseline of conventional cultivars.