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 | June 2010 | | | |  Moth larvae saliva boosts spud yields
When a major South American pest infests potato tubers, the plant produces bigger spuds, reports a study by Cornell, University of Goettingen and National University of Colombia researchers. The secret is in the spit, write the researchers online in the journal Ecological Applications. When the larvae infested fewer than 10 percent of the tubers, the plant produced marketable yields (after infested tubers were removed) that weighed 2.5 times more than undamaged plants, according to the study. The findings have implications for potato farmers, as the compound, once isolated, could lead to considerably higher yields in some varieties of potatoes.
Source: rdmag.com
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| | | DNA testing to strengthen Australian potato industry
Australia’s $500m potato industry will benefit from new DNA tests that can quickly and accurately measure major disease-causing agents. The tests, developed by scientists from South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), identify pathogens that can threaten the supply and quality of potatoes. SARDI pathologist Robin Harding said a big advantage with DNA testing was that one sample could be used to test for a range of diseases, significantly reducing the required time to test for diseases, and information is available within weeks.
Source: Borderwatch.com
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| | | Sainsbury Lab forging ahead with late blight GMO trial
Following a public consultation, Defra has given approval to the Sainsbury Laboratory (John Innes) to conduct a research trial this year of GM potatoes. The research is on potatoes that have been genetically modified to resist late potato blight. The Sainsbury Laboratory application has been evaluated by the independent expert group the Advisory Committee of Releases to the Environment (ACRE). It is satisfied that the proposed trial will not result in any adverse effect on human health or the environment.
Source: Foodeast.com
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