Late Blight Resistance Research Articles

Insights into the genetic basis of the pre-breeding potato clones developed at the Julius Kühn Institute for high and durable late blight resistance

AbstractDue to the high yield losses caused by late blight in potato cultivation, the development of resistant pre-breeding material is of great importance for cultivar breeding. The gene pool of the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) includes a large collection of resistant clones whose resistance has not yet been analysed in detail with markers for relevant resistance genes. A panel of 52 pre-breeding potato clones developed at the JKI via interspecific crosses and highly resistant to late blight were tested for the presence of seven resistance genes (Rpi-blb1/Rpi-sto1, Rpi-blb2, Rpi-blb3/R2/Rpi-abpt, R1, R3a, R3b, Rpi-phu1) and one QTL allele (QTL_phu-stn) from Solanum species S. bulbocastanum, S. demissum, S. phureja and S. stoloniferum, respectively. Molecular marker assays based on sequence-specific primers revealed that 36 of the 52 pre-breeding clones carried either 1, 2, 3 or 4 resistance genes introgressed from these wild Solanum species. Results indicate that these resistance genes were retained over generations of breeding. Although highly resistant to late blight, 16 pre-breeding clones did not carry any of these resistance genes. Resistance in the gene pool may, thus, be based not only on individual resistance genes but also on QTL effects. Results help to better understand both inheritance and expression of late blight resistance of this unique gene pool and may be used for breeding programmes.

First signs of late blight resistance in traditional native potatoes of Pasco\u2014Peru, a preliminary assay

BackgroundThe native Andean potatoes, despite their low yield, have a large diversity that is conserved by subsistence farmers in Peru, due to their culinary characteristics and other qualities. However, this diversity is threatened by the impacts of climate change, which would directly affect the food security of these people, and eventually ours. Among its qualities of resistance to pests and diseases, there could be a genetic source of resistance to late blight, one of the most damaging diseases of the potato crop in the world. In this assay, 103 native landraces collected from local farmers in the Pasco region of Peru were subjected to natural infection conditions with Phytophthora infestans to identify potential resistant landraces within them.ResultsThe 103 landraces assessed showed a broad variety of responses and were classified as “resistant” (22%), “moderately resistant” (57%), and “susceptible landraces” (21%). A relative effect of the disease in the yield is also shown, which is already low for commercial intentions.ConclusionWithin this representative sample of the native potato diversity of the Pasco region, at least 23 local varieties grown by subsistence farmers have resistance qualities against eventual late blight disease.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of R3a and Avr3a-mediated defense responses in transgenic tomato.

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most devastating diseases in potatoes and tomatoes. At present, several late blight resistance genes have been mapped and cloned. To better understand the transcriptome changes during the incompatible interaction process between R3a and Avr3a, in this study, after spraying DEX, the leaves of MM-R3a-Avr3a and MM-Avr3a transgenic plants at different time points were used for comparative transcriptome analysis. A total of 7,324 repeated DEGs were detected in MM-R3a-Avr3a plants at 2-h and 6-h, and 729 genes were differentially expressed at 6-h compared with 2-h. Only 1,319 repeated DEGs were found in MM-Avr3a at 2-h and 6-h, of which 330 genes have the same expression pattern. Based on GO, KEGG and WCGNA analysis of DEGs, the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways were significantly up-regulated. Parts of the down-regulated DEGs were enriched in carbon metabolism and the photosynthesis process. Among these DEGs, most of the transcription factors, such as WRKY, MYB, and NAC, related to disease resistance or endogenous hormones SA and ET pathways, as well as PR, CML, SGT1 gene were also significantly induced. Our results provide transcriptome-wide insights into R3a and Avr3a-mediated incompatibility interaction.

Global multi-environment resistance QTL for foliar late blight resistance in tetraploid potato with tropical adaptation.

The identification of environmentally stable and globally predictable resistance to potato late blight is challenged by the clonal and polyploid nature of the crop and the rapid evolution of the pathogen. A diversity panel of tetraploid potato germplasm bred for multiple resistance and quality traits was genotyped by genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and evaluated for late blight resistance in three countries where the International Potato Center (CIP) has established breeding work. Health-indexed, in vitro plants of 380 clones and varieties were distributed from CIP headquarters and tuber seed was produced centrally in Peru, China, and Ethiopia. Phenotypes were recorded following field exposure to local isolates of Phytophthora infestans. QTL explaining resistance in four experiments conducted across the three countries were identified in chromosome IX, and environment-specific QTL were found in chromosomes III, V, and X. Different genetic models were evaluated for prediction ability to identify best performing germplasm in each and all environments. The best prediction ability (0.868) was identified with the genomic best linear unbiased predictors (GBLUPs) when using the diploid marker data and QTL-linked markers as fixed effects. Genotypes with high levels of resistance in all environments were identified from the B3, LBHT, and B3-LTVR populations. The results show that many of the advanced clones bred in Peru for high levels of late blight resistance maintain their resistance in Ethiopia and China, suggesting that the centralized selection strategy has been largely successful.

Enhancing Genetic Gain in Potato Clones through Phenotyping Late Blight Resistance

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is a devastating disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). To identify potential sources of resistance to the disease, 32 clones received from the National Potato Research Program (NPRP) were evaluated under natural conditions at the National Maize Research Program Rampur, Chitwan in 2018 and 2019. Potato cultivars Desire, Kufri Jyoti, and Farmers local were used as moderately resistant, susceptible, and highly susceptible checks, respectively. The experiments were laid out in α-lattice design with two replications. Each experimental plot of 3.6 m2 was seeded as two 3m long rows with 0.6 and 0.25 m row and plant spacing, respectively. Agronomic practices were followed as recommended by NPRP. The disease severity was measured based on a percentage of leaf area infected using disease scale of (1 to 9) at three times in seven days intervals. Disease severity values were converted into the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). During harvest, the total yield and its components were recorded. Potato clones differed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) for disease severity, yield, and yield components. The results revealed high genetic variability, heritability, and genetic gain for disease parameters, tuber yield, and its components. Six clones (CIP311622.9, PRP277072.122, PRP146971.135, PRP147072.27, CIP311350.27, and PRP146971.117 had lower area under disease progress curve AUDPC) values (274.25 to 421.03), showed higher resistant in both years and yielded more tuber yield (~20 t/ha) than other clones. These clones could be used to develop late blight resistant, high yielding potato varieties

Insertion of Badnaviral DNA in the Late Blight Resistance Gene (R1a) of Brinjal Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are widespread in plant genomes. They result from the random integration of viral sequences into host plant genomes by horizontal DNA transfer and have the potential to alter host gene expression. We performed a large-scale search for co-transcripts including caulimovirid and plant sequences in 1,678 plant and 230 algal species and characterized 50 co-transcripts in 45 distinct plant species belonging to lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. We found that insertion of badnavirus EVEs along with Ty-1 copia mobile elements occurred into a late blight resistance gene (R1) of brinjal eggplant (Solanum melongena) and wild relatives in genus Solanum and disrupted R1 orthologs. EVEs of two previously unreported badnaviruses were identified in the genome of S. melongena, whereas EVEs from an additional novel badnavirus were identified in the genome of S. aethiopicum, the cultivated scarlet eggplant. Insertion of these viruses in the ancestral lineages of the direct wild relatives of the eggplant would have occurred during the last 3 Myr, further supporting the distinctiveness of the group of the eggplant within the giant genus Solanum.

Resistencia a lancha de papas nativas ecuatorianas: evaluación en campo y percepción de agricultores

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is one of the most devastating diseases of potato world-wide. A field experiment, in a location under high P. infestans pressure, was carried out in Ecuador to assess resistance or susceptibility to late blight of 31 potato landraces collected in Carchi, Chimborazo and Loja. Resistant commercial varieties (I-Fripapa) and a susceptible (Superchola) were included as references. Based on the Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) three categories were scored: resistant, intermediate and susceptible. The landraces under study showed different responses to late blight in the experimental field. Only, five landraces showed the best field resistance: Uva, Chaucha roja, Guata amarilla, Coneja and Chaucha ratona. Additionally, a survey to 150 farmers growing potato landraces in these three provinces identified the main diseases affecting their potatoes. Informal conversations with these farmers both during the collections and during farmer meetings provided additional information regarding late blight and their perception of landrace resistance. Similar to farmers growing commercial varieties also farmers currently cultivating landraces consider late blight as the main disease in their potatoes. Probably the broad crop diversity on their farms and the planting of potato landrace mixtures reduces the late blight severity effects within their potato fields. Possible strategies to improve late blight resistance in potato in Ecuador could include the identification of accessions with resistance among local landraces, wild potato relatives and/or the introduction of new sources of resistance from other origins.

Transcriptome analysis of scions grafted to potato rootstock for improving late blight resistance

BackgroundLate blight seriously threatens potato cultivation worldwide. The severe and widespread damage caused by the fungal pathogen can lead to drastic decreases in potato yield. Although grafting technology has been widely used to improve crop resistance, the effects of grafting on potato late blight resistance as well as the associated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we performed RNA transcriptome sequencing analysis and the late blight resistance testing of the scion when the potato late blight-resistant variety Qingshu 9 and the susceptible variety Favorita were used as the rootstock and scion, respectively, and vice versa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the rootstock on scion disease resistance and to clarify the related molecular mechanisms.ResultsA Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the expression levels of genes related to plant–pathogen interactions, plant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways were significantly up-regulated in the scion when Qingshu 9 was used as the rootstock. Some of these genes encoded calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), chitin elicitor receptor kinases (CERKs), LRR receptor serine/threonine protein kinases (LRR-LRKs), NPR family proteins in the salicylic acid synthesis pathway, and MAPKs which were potato late blight response proteins. When Favorita was used as the rootstock, only a few genes of late blight response genes were upregulated in the scion of Qingshu 9. Grafted plants using resistant variety as rootstocks inoculated with P. infestans spores showed significant reductions in lesion size while no significant difference in lesion size was observed when susceptible variety was used as the rootstock. We also showed that this induction of disease resistance in scions, especially scions derived from susceptible potato varieties was mediated by the up-regulation of expression of genes involved in plant disease resistance in scions.ConclusionsOur results showed that potato grafting using late blight resistant varieties as rootstocks could render or enhance resistance to late blight in scions derived from susceptible varieties via up-regulating the expression of disease resistant genes in scions. The results provide the basis for exploring the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of rootstocks on scion disease resistance.

Late Blight Resistance Profiles of Elite Potato Germplasm in the United States

Late Blight Resistance Profiles of Elite Potato Germplasm in the United States

Molecular characterization for food safety assessment of a genetically modified late blight resistant potato: an unusual case

Standard food safety assessments of genetically modified crops require a thorough molecular characterization of the novel DNA as inserted into the plant that is intended for commercialization, as well as a comparison of agronomic and nutritional characteristics of the genetically modified to the non-modified counterpart. These characterization data are used to identify any unintended changes in the inserted DNA or in the modified plant that would require assessment for safety in addition to the assessment of the intended modification. An unusual case of an unintended effect discovered from the molecular characterization of a genetically modified late blight resistant potato developed for growing in Bangladesh and Indonesia is presented here. Not only was a significant portion of the plasmid vector backbone DNA inserted into the plant along with the intended insertion of an R-gene for late blight resistance, but the inserted DNA was split into two separate fragments and inserted into two separate chromosomes. One fragment carries the R-gene and the other fragment carries the NPTII selectable marker gene and the plasmid backbone DNA. The implications of this for the food safety assessment of this late blight resistant potato are considered.

Developing a new model system for potato genetics by androgenesis.

High heterozygosity and tetrasomic inheritance complicate studies of asexually propagated polyploids, such as potato. Reverse genetics approaches, especially mutant library construction, can be an ideal choice if a proper mutagenesis genotype is available. Here, we aimed to generate a model system for potato research using anther cultures of Solanum verrucosum, a self-compatible diploid potato with strong late blight resistance. Six of the 23 regenerants obtained (SVA4, SVA7, SVA22, SVA23, SVA32, and SVA33) were diploids, and their homozygosity was estimated to be >99.99% with 22 polymorphic InDel makers. Two lines-SVA4 and SVA32-had reduced stature (plant height ≤80 cm), high seed yield (>1,000 seeds/plant), and good tuber set (>30 tubers/plant). We further confirmed the full homozygosity of SVA4 and SVA32 using whole-genome resequencing. These two regenerants possess all the characteristics of a model plant: diploidy, 100% homozygosity, self-compatibility, and amenability to transgenesis. Thus, we have successfully generated two lines, SVA4 and SVA32, which can potentially be used for mutagenesis and as model plants to rejuvenate current methods of conducting potato research.

Fine Mapping of the Ph-2 Gene Conferring Resistance to Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans) in Tomato.

Late blight is a devastating tomato disease. Breeding new varieties with multiple resistance (R) genes is highly effective for preventing late blight. The Ph-2 gene mediates resistance to Phytophthora infestans race T1 in tomato. In this study, we used an F2 population derived from a cross between Solanum lycopersicum Moboline (resistant) and LA3988 (susceptible) cultivars for the fine mapping of Ph-2. Two flanking markers, CAPS-1 and CC-Ase, mapped Ph-2 to a 141-kb genomic region containing 21 projected genes, 5 of which were identified as putative R genes. The Solyc10g085460 coding sequence varied significantly between the parents. The markers developed and candidate genes identified in this study shall be useful for the molecular breeding of tomato exhibiting increased late blight resistance and for the cloning of the Ph-2 gene.

Cytoplasmic genome of Indian potato varieties and breeding lines vis a vis prospects in potato breeding

Advances in research resulted in development of a simple, rapid and reliable multiplex PCR protocol for cytoplasm differentiation in potato. Applying this rapid technique, we assessed the cytoplasm diversity in 57 Indian potato varieties, 15 popular exotic varieties and 47 biotic stress resistance breeding parental lines using five DNA based markers. Results revealed that T is the predominant cytoplasm type followed by D in Indian and exotic potato varieties as well as parental lines. The proportion of T and D type cytoplasm was 77.2% and 19.3% and 73.3% and 20.0% in Indian and exotic varieties, respectively. A and W type were found in one variety each, while M and P were missing in Indian varieties. All the popular Indian table potato varieties have tuberosum type cytoplasm with few exceptions of varieties bred for biotic stress resistance namely Kufri Himalini, Kufri Girdhari, carrying demissum cytoplasm. Opposite was true for Indian processing cultivars with the exception of Kufri Chipsona 4, which had T type cytoplasm. Evaluation of biotic stress resistance breeding parental lines showed increasing use of D (34.0%) and W (12.8%) cytoplasm in comparison to previously bred varieties. Although D type cytoplasm is associated with late blight resistance and male sterility, all Indian cultivars with D type cytoplasm are not resistant to late blight, nor they all are male sterile. Male fertile D type cytoplasm and the cytoplasms showing good interaction between cytoplasmic and nuclear gene for agronomic traits should be incorporated in the parental lines. Efforts must also be done to diversify the cytoplasm of cultivated potato with at least semi-cultivated cytoplasm types.

Mutations introduced in susceptibility genes through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing confer increased late blight resistance in potatoes

The use of pathogen-resistant cultivars is expected to increase yield and decrease fungicide use in agriculture. However, in potato breeding, increased resistance obtained via resistance genes (R-genes) is hampered because R-gene(s) are often specific for a pathogen race and can be quickly overcome by the evolution of the pathogen. In parallel, susceptibility genes (S-genes) are important for pathogenesis, and loss of S-gene function confers increased resistance in several plants, such as rice, wheat, citrus and tomatoes. In this article, we present the mutation and screening of seven putative S-genes in potatoes, including two DMR6 potato homologues. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 system, which conferred co-expression of two guide RNAs, tetra-allelic deletion mutants were generated and resistance against late blight was assayed in the plants. Functional knockouts of StDND1, StCHL1, and DMG400000582 (StDMR6-1) generated potatoes with increased resistance against late blight. Plants mutated in StDND1 showed pleiotropic effects, whereas StDMR6-1 and StCHL1 mutated plants did not exhibit any growth phenotype, making them good candidates for further agricultural studies. Additionally, we showed that DMG401026923 (here denoted StDMR6-2) knockout mutants did not demonstrate any increased late blight resistance, but exhibited a growth phenotype, indicating that StDMR6-1 and StDMR6-2 have different functions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the mutation and screening of putative S-genes in potatoes, including two DMR6 potato homologues.

A complex resistance locus in Solanum americanum recognizes a conserved Phytophthora effector.

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans greatly constrains potato production. Many Resistance (R) genes were cloned from wild Solanum species and/or introduced into potato cultivars by breeding. However, individual R genes have been overcome by P. infestans evolution; durable resistance remains elusive. We positionally cloned a new R gene, Rpi-amr1, from Solanum americanum, that encodes an NRC helper-dependent CC-NLR protein.Rpi-amr1 confers resistance in potato to all 19 P. infestans isolates tested. Using association genomics and long-read RenSeq, we defined eight additional Rpi-amr1 alleles from different S. americanum and related species.Despite only ~90% identity between Rpi-amr1 proteins, all confer late blight resistance but differentially recognize Avramr1 orthologs and paralogs. We propose that Rpi-amr1 gene family diversity assists detection of diverse paralogs and alleles of the recognized effector, facilitating durable resistance against P. infestans.

Foliar Application of Silicon Enhances Resistance Against Phytophthora infestans Through the ET/JA- and NPR1- Dependent Signaling Pathways in Potato.

Late blight (LB), caused by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease of potato that is necessary to control by regularly treatment with fungicides. Silicon (Si) has been used to enhance plant resistance against a broad range of bacterial and fungal pathogens; however, the enhanced LB resistance and the molecular mechanisms involving the plant hormone pathways remain unclear. In this study, Si treatment of potato plants was found to enhance LB resistance in both detached leaves and living plants accompanied by induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and pathogenesis-related genes expression. Regarding the hormone pathways involved in Si-mediated LB resistance, we found a rapidly increased content of ethylene (ET) 15 min after spraying with Si. Increased jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-Ile and decreased salicylic acid (SA) were identified in plants at 1 day after spraying with Si and an additional 1 day after P. infestans EC1 infection. Furthermore, pretreatment with Me-JA enhanced resistance to EC1, while pretreatment with DIECA, an inhibitor of JA synthesis, enhanced the susceptibility and attenuated the Si-mediated resistance to LB. Consistent with these hormonal alterations, Si-mediated LB resistance was significantly attenuated in StETR1-, StEIN2-, StAOS-, StOPR3-, StNPR1-, and StHSP90-repressed plants but not in StCOI1- and StSID2-repressed plants using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The Si-mediated accumulation of JA/JA-Ile was significantly attenuated in StETR1-, StEIN2-, StOPR3- and StHSP90-VIGS plants but not in StCOI1-, StSID2- and StNPR1-VIGS plants. Overall, we reveal that Si can be used as a putative alternative to fungicides to control LB, and conclude that Si-mediated LB resistance is dependent on the ET/JA-signaling pathways in a StHSP90- and StNPR1-dependent manner.

The curious case of C-88: impacts of a potato variety on farmers in Yunnan, China

BackgroundLimited analysis has been conducted of the role of agricultural research in promoting Chinese agricultural growth in less-favored areas. This paper analyzes how a particular potato variety generates benefits to producers and discusses how these benefits may have contributed to poverty reduction in Yunnan province. Cooperation 88 (C88) is a high-yielding, late blight-resistant variety that was developed through a partnership between the International Potato Center and Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China.MethodsQualitative and quantitative methods are used to analyze determinants of adoption of C88, and to estimate impacts of adoption on producer well-being. A unique farm-household database is used to document the determinants of C88 adoption and disadoption. The quantitative assessment is supplemented with a qualitative analysis of the potato value chain to understand how seed availability and concern for processing attributes contributed to and eventually constrained diffusion. Market-level information was used in an economic surplus model to quantify the substantial economic impact of C88 over 20 years since its release.ResultsC88 spread rapidly in Yunnan following its release and was widely adopted by commercially oriented farmers. Disadoption began after 2010 with limited seed availability driving the shift toward newer varieties. Farmers, however, appreciate the ease of marketing, the 15% higher yields, and late-blight resistance associated with C88 suggesting that seed constraints are countervailing the economic benefits of the variety. Total impact on Yunnan potato farmers of the variety was estimated to be around $2.5 billion for the 1996–2015 period.ConclusionsOn per-person terms among C88 growing farm households, the economic advantage of the variety is likely to have contributed to poverty reduction. The aggregate impact of C88 diffusion occurred during a period of rapid poverty reduction in Yunnan and yield and disease-resistance benefits of C88 likely contributed to this reduction.

Stacking Resistance Genes in Multiparental Interspecific Potato Hybrids to Anticipate Late Blight Outbreaks

Stacking (pyramiding) several resistance genes of diverse race specificity in one and the same plant by hybridization provides for high and durable resistance to major diseases, such as potato late blight (LB), especially when breeders combine highly efficient genes for broad-spectrum resistance that are novel to the intruding pathogens. Our collection of potato hybrids manifesting long-lasting LB resistance comprises, as a whole, the germplasm of 26 or 22 Solanum species (as treated by Bukasov and Hawkes, respectively), with up to 8–9 species listed in the pedigree of an individual hybrid. This collection was screened with the markers of ten genes for race-specific resistance to Phytophthora infestans (Rpi genes) initially identified in S. demissum (R1, R2, R3a, R3b, and R8), S. bulbocastanum/S. stoloniferum (Rpi-blb1/ Rpi-sto1, Rpi-blb2, Rpi-blb3) and S. venturii (Rpi-vnt1). The hybrids comprised the markers for up to four-six Rpi genes per plant, and the number of markers was significantly related to LB resistance. Nevertheless, a considerable portion of resistance apparently depended on presently insufficiently characterized resistance genes. Bred from these multiparental hybrids, the advanced lines with the stacks of broad-specificity Rpi genes will help anticipate LB outbreaks caused by rapid pathogen evolution and the arrival of new pathogen strains.

Characterization of a Late Blight Resistance Gene Homologous to R2 in Potato Variety Payette Russet

Breeding for late blight resistance has traditionally relied on phenotypic selection, but as the number of characterized resistance (R) genes has grown, so have the possibilities for genotypic selection. One challenge for breeding russet varieties is the lack of information about the genetic basis of resistance in this germplasm group. Based on observations of strong resistance by ‘Payette Russet’ to genotype US-23 of the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans in inoculated experiments, we deduced the variety must contain at least one major R gene. To identify the gene(s), 79 F1 progeny were screened using a detached leaf assay and classified resistant vs. susceptible. Linkage mapping using markers from the potato SNP array revealed a single resistant haplotype on the short arm of chromosome group 4, which coincides with the R2/Rpi-abpt/Rpi-blb3 locus. PCR amplification and sequencing of the gene in Payette revealed it is homologous to R2, and transient expression experiments in Nicotiana benthamiana confirmed its recognition of the Avr2 effector. Sequencing of a small diversity panel revealed a SNP unique to resistant haplotypes at the R2 locus, which was converted to a KASP marker that showed perfect prediction accuracy in the F1 population and diversity panel. Although many genotypes of P. infestans are virulent against R2, even when defeated this gene may be valuable as one component of a multi-genic approach to quantitative resistance.

Potato improvement through genetic engineering

ABSTRACT Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the third most important crop worldwide and a staple food for many people worldwide. Genetically, it poses many challenges for traditional breeding due to its autotetraploid nature and its tendency toward inbreeding depression. Breeding programs have focused on productivity, nutritional quality, and disease resistance. Some of these traits exist in wild potato relatives but their introgression into elite cultivars can take many years and, for traits such as pest resistance, their effect is often short-lasting. These problems can be addressed by genetic modification (GM) or gene editing (GE) and open a wide horizon for potato crop improvement. Current genetically modified and gene edited varieties include those with Colorado potato beetle and late blight resistance, reduction in acrylamide, and modified starch content. RNAi hairpin technology can be used to silence the haplo-alleles of multiple genes simultaneously, whereas optimization of newer gene editing technologies such as base and prime editing will facilitate the routine generation of advanced edits across the genome. These technologies will likely gain further relevance as increased target specificity and decreased off-target effects are demonstrated. In this Review, we discuss recent work related to these technologies in potato improvement.