The genome of potato, a major global food crop, was recently sequenced. The work presented here details the integration of the potato reference genome (DM) with a new sequence-tagged site marker−based linkage map and other physical and genetic maps of potato and the closely related species tomato. Primary anchoring of the DM genome assembly was accomplished by the use of a diploid segregating population, which was genotyped with several types of molecular genetic markers to construct a new ~936 cM linkage map comprising 2469 marker loci. In silico anchoring approaches used genetic and physical maps from the diploid potato genotype RH89-039-16 (RH) and tomato. This combined approach has allowed 951 superscaffolds to be ordered into pseudomolecules corresponding to the 12 potato chromosomes. These pseudomolecules represent 674 Mb (~93%) of the 723 Mb genome assembly and 37,482 (~96%) of the 39,031 predicted genes. The superscaffold order and orientation within the pseudomolecules are closely collinear with independently constructed high density linkage maps. Comparisons between marker distribution and physical location reveal regions of greater and lesser recombination, as well as regions exhibiting significant segregation distortion. The work presented here has led to a greatly improved ordering of the potato reference genome superscaffolds into chromosomal “pseudomolecules”.

The genetic regulation of flower color has been widely studied, notably as a character used by Mendel and his predecessors in the study of inheritance in pea. We used the genome sequence of model legumes, together with their known synteny to the pea genome to identify candidate genes for the A and A2 loci in pea. We then used a combination of genetic mapping, fast neutron mutant analysis, allelic diversity, transcript quantification and transient expression complementation studies to confirm the identity of the candidates. We have identified the pea genes A and A2. A is the factor determining anthocyanin pigmentation in pea that was used by Gregor Mendel 150 years ago in his study of inheritance. The A gene encodes a bHLH transcription factor. The white flowered mutant allele most likely used by Mendel is a simple G to A transition in a splice donor site that leads to a mis-spliced mRNA with a premature stop codon, and we have identified a second rare mutant allele. The A2 gene encodes a WD40 protein that is part of an evolutionarily conserved regulatory complex.

Potato is a member of the Solanaceae, a plant family that includes several other economically important species, such as tomato, eggplant, petunia, tobacco and pepper. The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC) aims to elucidate the complete genome sequence of potato, the third most important food crop in the world. The PGSC is a collaboration between 13 research groups from China, India, Poland, Russia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, USA, New Zealand and the UK. The potato genome consists of 12 chromosomes and has a (haploid) length of approximately 840 million base pairs, making it a medium-sized plant genome. The sequencing project builds on a diploid potato genomic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone library of 78000 clones, which has been fingerprinted and aligned into ~7000 physical map contigs. In addition, the BAC-ends have been sequenced and are publicly available. Approximately 30000 BACs are anchored to the Ultra High Density genetic map of potato, composed of 10000 unique AFLP^TM markers. From this integrated genetic-physical map, between 50 to 150 seed BACs have currently been identified for every chromosome. Fluorescent in situ hybridization experiments on selected BAC clones confirm these anchor points. The seed clones provide the starting point for a BAC-by-BAC sequencing strategy. This strategy is being complemented by whole genome shotgun sequencing approaches using both 454 GS FLX and Illumina GA2 instruments. Assembly and annotation of the sequence data will be performed using publicly available and tailor-made tools. The availability of the annotated data will help to characterize germplasm collections based on allelic variance and to assist potato breeders to more fully exploit the genetic potential of potato. La papa es un miembro de las Solanaceae, una familia de plantas que incluye varias otras especies económicamente importantes, tales como tomate, berenjena, petunia, tabaco y ají o chili. El consorcio de secuenciación del genoma de la papa (PGSC) tiene por objeto dilucidar la secuencia completa del genoma de la papa, el tercer cultivo alimentario más importante del mundo. El PGSC es una colaboración entre 13 grupos de investigación procedentes de China, India, Polonia, Rusia, los Países Bajos, Irlanda, Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Perú, EE.UU., Nueva Zelanda y el Reino Unido. El genoma de la papa consiste de 12 cromosomas y tiene una longitud (haploide) de aproximadamente 840 millones de pares de bases, por lo que es una planta con un genoma de tamaño mediano. El proyecto de secuenciación se basa en una biblioteca de 78000 clones de cromosoma artificial bacteriano genomico de papa diploide (BAC), del que se ha obtenido la huella genética y alineado en 7000 ~ contigs de mapa físico. Además, los extremos terminales BAC se han secuenciado y están a disposición del público. Aproximadamente 30000 BACS están anclados al mapa genético de ultra alta densidad de la papa, compuesto de 10000 marcadores AFLP^TM únicos. De esta mapa genético-físico integrado, entre 50 a 150 semillas BACs han sido identificadas para cada cromosoma. Experimentos de hibridación in situ fluorescente en clones BAC selectos confirman estos puntos de anclaje. La clones semilla proveen el punto de partida para la estrategia de secuenciación de BAC a BAC. Esta estrategia se complementa con los enfoques de secuenciación escopeta del genoma completo usando los instrumentos 454 GS FLX e Illumina GA2. El ensamblaje y anotación de los datos de la secuencia será realizados mediante herramientas publicas disponibles y hechas a la medida. La disponibilidad de los datos anotados ayudarán a caracterizar las colecciones de germoplasma basándose en variación alélica y ayudará a los fitomejoradores de papa a explotar más plenamente el potencial genético de la papa.

Genetic technologies such as gene editing and gene drive systems have recently emerged as potential tools for pest control. Gene drives, in particular, have been described as potential solutions to the pest problems that beset New Zealand. Here we describe the current state of gene drive technologies and present a series of examples to examine the potential benefits and problems arising from gene drive approaches for pest control in New Zealand. We consider the risks and barriers, both biological and social, that would need to be addressed to deploy such systems against our key pests with particular reference to the unique characteristics of New Zealand’s biota, environment and peoples. Gene drives are a potentially useful technology for the eradication of pests in New Zealand but a great deal of research and understanding, as well as public acceptance, is required before they can be implemented.