An earlier post from 2021 introduced the concept of Potato 2.0, which is a worldwide movement to create diploid hybrid varieties derived from inbred parents. We have made a lot of progress since then, thanks to a national project funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative.
Potato 2.0 is not only about transforming breeding, but also the seed system. At present, the seed supply chain begins with greenhouse production of minitubers from tissue culture plantlets, typically in a hydroponic system. Under Potato 2.0, we predict that seedlings will be grown in a greenhouse and then transplanted to the field to produce a seed tuber crop.
To place more emphasis on selection for seedling traits, we are transitioning away from greenhouse production of seed tubers in favor of transplants. Based on promising pilot studies in 2023 and 2024, we aimed high this year and successfully transplanted close to 10,000 plants in segregating populations!
