Features
Agronomy
Traits and Genetics
New funding for potato research and development
March 17, 2015, Fredericton – The federal government is investing $1.83 million to give potato farmers a technological advantage in predicting and preventing yield losses in their fields and in storage.
March 17, 2015 By AAFC
Researchers will use a new generation of computer-based gene sequencers to identify genes in potato DNA that indicate when the plant experiences stress. The goal is to use these genes as markers for diagnostic tools on the farm.
DNA sequencing will also be used to identify the billions of species of microbial life in the soil and to study their impact on potato common scab.
Scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Potato Research Centre in Fredericton will head up the project, leading an international team that includes researchers from Canada, France and New Zealand.
“This international collaboration brings together the research and technical resources of three countries to put the best possible science in the hands of our potato growers to create economic and environmental benefits,” said Parliamentary Secretary Gerald Keddy. Keddy made the new funding announcement on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
This investment under Growing Forward 2 has helped leverage $821,800 in industry contributions. Project partners include: BioNB; Comité Nord Plants des Pommes de Terre; potato operations Ferme Daniel Bolduc Inc. and Maxi-Sol Inc., both based in Quebec; Plant and Food Research New Zealand; Potatoes New Brunswick; and CCL, a company based in France.
“We are pleased to be participating in this project since collaboration and knowledge sharing are keys to success and to major discoveries, both in fundamental research and in field applications for producers and food processors,” said Dr. Virginie Gobert-Deveaux, director of research and development with Comité Nord Plants de Pommes de Terre.
“This is a great example of bio-technology being used to develop innovative strategies to meet challenges in one of our traditional sectors. We look forward to working with our partners and commercializing the resulting technologies that will lead to increased yields and overall profits for farmers and a stronger and more sustainable potato industry,” added Meaghan Seagrave, executive director with BioNB.
Print this page
