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Genetically modified (GM) potatoes having resistance to insects and viral diseases, low reducing sugar contents, and black spots for high quality continue to be developed. However, no GM potato has been approved as food or feed in the Republic of Korea as the country adheres to a zero-tolerance policy to unauthorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs). When the self-sufficiency rate is low, a detection method to assess GMOs in crops or other products is necessary. Therefore, a rapid method for two GM potato events (SPS-Y9 and EH92-527-1) using an ultra-fast PCR (UF-PCR) system has been developed, and its specificity, sensitivity, and applicability were demonstrated. UF-PCR can decrease the runtime of PCR by more than half of that needed in conventional methods. However, UF-PCR is not a common method for GMO analysis. This rapid detection method may be useful for GMO analyses in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is the most devastating disease in potato production. Here, we show full late blight resistance in a location with a genetically diverse pathogen population with the use of GM potato stacked with three resistance (R) genes over three seasons. In addition, using this field trials, we demonstrate that in-the-field intervention among consumers led to change for more favorable attitude generally toward GM crops.

BACKGROUND: Potato tubers from genetically modified plants overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factors that exhibited improved tolerance to salt and resistance to Fusarium solani infection were characterized and evaluated for safety in a 30 day rat feeding study. Male Wistar rats were split into four groups and provided with a diet composed of 33% (w/w) of either one of the two genetically modified potatoes (GMPs), 33% of the commercial Spunta variety (Sp), or a control group fed with the basal rats' diet. The influence of the GMPs on rat behavior and overall health parameters was evaluated and compared with that of commercial potato (i.e. the Sp group) and control diet. RESULTS: Small differences were noticed in the chemical composition of the different tubers, but all the diets were adjusted to an identical caloric level. Results showed no sign of toxic or detrimental effects on the rats' overall health as a result of these diets. The rats fed with the GMPs meal showed hematological and biochemical compositions of the plasma comparable to the control groups. No histopathological damage nor any structural disorganization, severe congestion, or acute inflammation were noticed in the rats' tissues. CONCLUSION: Under these study conditions, the GMP diets did not induce any apparent or significant adverse effects on rats after 30 days of dietary administration in comparison with rats fed diets with the corresponding non‐transgenic diet and the standard diet group. These two GMPs were therefore considered to be as safe as their commercial comparator. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is the most devastating disease in potato production. Here, we show full late blight resistance in a location with a genetically diverse pathogen population with the use of GM potato stacked with three resistance (R) genes over three seasons. In addition, using this field trials, we demonstrate that in-the-field intervention among consumers led to change for more favorable attitude generally toward GM crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorado potato beetle, CPB (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), is one of the most important pests of the potato globally. Larvae and adults can cause complete defoliation of potato plant leaves and can lead to a large yield loss. The insect has been successfully suppressed by insecticides; however, over time, has developed resistance to insecticides from various chemical groups, and its once successful control has diminished. The number of available active chemical control substances is decreasing with the process of testing, and registering new products on the market are time-consuming and expensive, with the possibility of resistance ever present. All of these concerns have led to the search for new methods to control CPB and efficient tools to assist with the detection of resistant variants and monitoring of resistant populations. Current strategies that may aid in slowing resistance include gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi, besides providing an efficient tool for gene functional studies, represents a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly strategy for CPB control. Genetically modified (GM) crops that produce the toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have many advantages over agro-technical, mechanical, biological, and chemical measures. However, pest resistance that may occur and public acceptance of GM modified food crops are the main problems associated with Bt crops. Recent developments in the speed, cost, and accuracy of next generation sequencing are revolutionizing the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and field of population genomics. There is a need for effective resistance monitoring programs that are capable of the early detection of resistance and successful implementation of integrated resistance management (IRM). The main focus of this review is on new technologies for CPB control (RNAi) and tools (SNPs) for detection of resistant CPB populations.

Potato late blight disease remains the primary stressor of commercial potato production across the EU, typically requiring >10 fungicide applications per growing season to offset crop losses. In response, the goal of this study was to test and validate a novel, more durable, control strategy for potato late blight. This IPM2.0 strategy is based on the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which sees the deployment of a late blight resistant potato genotype, a cisgenically modified, Desiree based resistant potato line here, in conjunction with pathogen population monitoring for virulence to the resistance genes (R genes) deployed and a “do not spray unless”, low input fungicide spray strategy. Field evaluations were completed in the Netherlands and in Ireland in 2013, 2014 and in Ireland in 2015. Comparators used in this study included the original but susceptible potato variety Desiree and the conventional but highly resistant variety Sarpo Mira. The novel IPM2.0 strategy was compared to local common practice (fungicide applications on a near weekly basis) and an untreated control. Overall, the IPM2.0 control strategy validated here reduced the average fungicide input by 80–90% without compromising control efficacy. Corresponding environmental side-effects were reduced proportionally. The results underline the pragmatic role host resistance can provide to commercial potato production systems and to society at large if employed as part of an integrated late blight control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of a literature survey, earthworm species of significant relevance for soil functions in different biogeographical regions of Europe (Atlantic, Boreal, Mediterranean) were identified. These focal earthworm species, defined here according to the EFSA Guidance Document on the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified plants, are typical for arable soils under crop rotations with maize and/or potatoes within the three regions represented by Ireland, Sweden and Spain, respectively. Focal earthworm species were selected following a matrix of four steps: Identification of functional groups, categorization of non-target species, ranking species on ecological criteria, and final selection of focal species. They are recommended as appropriate non-target organisms to assess environmental risks of genetically modified (GM) crops; in this case maize and potatoes. In total, 44 literature sources on earthworms in arable cropping systems including maize or potato from Ireland, Sweden and Spain were collected, which present information on species diversity, individual density and specific relevance for soil functions. By means of condensed literature data, those species were identified which (i) play an important functional role in respective soil systems, (ii) are well adapted to the biogeographical regions, (iii) are expected to occur in high abundances under cultivation of maize or potato and (iv) fulfill the requirements for an ERA test system based on life-history traits. First, primary and secondary decomposers were identified as functional groups being exposed to the GM crops. In a second step, anecic and endogeic species were categorized as potential species. In step three, eight anecic and endogeic earthworm species belonging to the family Lumbricidae were ranked as relevant species: Aporrectodea caliginosa , Aporrectodea rosea , Aporrectodea longa , Allolobophora chlorotica , Lumbricus terrestris , Lumbricus friendi , Octodrilus complanatus and Octolasion cyaneum . Five out of these eight species are relevant for each biogeographical region with an overlap in the species. Finally, the earthworm species Ap . caliginosa (endogeic, secondary decomposer) and L. terrestris (anecic, primary decomposer) were selected as focal species. In the Mediterranean region L. terrestris may be substituted by the more relevant anecic species L. friendi. The selected focal species are recommended to be included in a standardized laboratory ERA test system based on life-history traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deliberate release of any genetically modified (GM) organism in the European Union requires an environmental risk assessment (ERA) prior to commercialisation, including impact assessment on nontarget organisms. We report from two expert workshops where a newly developed selection procedure for identification of ecologically relevant testing organisms was applied to the case of a GM potato with increased resistance to late blight, planned for cultivation in southern Scandinavia. Species known to contribute to important ecological functions in the receiving environment were selected in a stepwise procedure, to arrive at a practical number of ecologically relevant species that are likely to be exposed to the transgene and suitable for experimental testing. Four ecological functional categories were identified: herbivory and disease transmission, natural enemies, ecological soil processes and pollination. Among these, relevant nontarget species were identified for herbivores and soil living pathogens, natural enemies and decomposers/beneficial soil organisms. Out of a total of 16 herbivores, 17 soil-living pathogens, 49 natural enemies and 14 decomposers/beneficial soil organisms in the initial lists, 8 herbivores, 10 soil-living pathogens, 15 natural enemies and 11 decomposers/beneficial soil organisms were identified as possible testing organisms, based on ecological criteria. These findings are highly relevant for determining the scope and structure of an ERA of this type of GM potato. The selection procedure could not be completed because of insufficient information about tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression levels of the transgenic products for this particular GM potato. Thus, the case study illustrates some of the difficulties and knowledge gaps that limit the relevance and quality of ERA of GM plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines a small-scale attempt to support collective evaluation of a transgenic potato variety. By mobilizing Laurent Thevénot's ideas on the connectedness of the ontological and normative, it investigates how the controversial object was associated with coordinating perspectives or 'orders of worth' in two focus groups. In these groups, the GM potato qualified for evaluation in relation to deterministic market forces. However, it was unclear whether the potato would operate as a beneficial market asset or merely as an accelerator of ever tougher competition. The innovation also had a tendency to disappear out of sight or to receive capacities as a transgenic application of whatever kind. Hence, it was only with effort that the discussions delved into the specific realities and circumstances of the Finnish potato production. When they did, some particular demands posed by the blight resistant potato became visible and discussable. These scripts concerned the counterparts of contract production, possibly favoring the reorganization of producers into larger associations of highly specialized professionals. However, since practical implications and possibilities received little attention, the paper suggests that more attention needs to be put into organization and preparation of multi-stakeholder evaluations. The emergence of learning potential greatly depends on the abilities and willingness of the participants to engage with speculative experiments or reality tests. This is a risky strategy for anyone who hopes that a meeting will remain within a particular scope or that it will reach a particular conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is one of the most important potato pest worldwide. It is native to U.S. but during the 20th century it has dispersed through Europe, Asia and western China. It continues to expand in an east and southeast direction. Damages are caused by larvae and adults. Their feeding on potato plant leaves can cause complete defoliation and lead to a large yield loss. After the long period of using only chemical control measures, the emergence of resistance increased and some new and different methods come to the fore. The main focus of this review is on new approaches to the old CPB control problem. We describe the use of Bacillus thuringiensis and RNA interference (RNAi) as possible solutions for the future in CPB management. RNAi has proven successful in controlling many pests and shows great potential for CPB control. Better understanding of the mechanisms that affect efficiency will enable the development of this technology and boost potential of RNAi to become part of integrated plant protection in the future. We described also the possibility of using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as a way to go deeper into our understanding of resistance and how it influences genotypes. Colorado potato beetle, CPB (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), is one of the most important pests of the potato globally. Larvae and adults can cause complete defoliation of potato plant leaves and can lead to a large yield loss. The insect has been successfully suppressed by insecticides; however, over time, has developed resistance to insecticides from various chemical groups, and its once successful control has diminished. The number of available active chemical control substances is decreasing with the process of testing, and registering new products on the market are time-consuming and expensive, with the possibility of resistance ever present. All of these concerns have led to the search for new methods to control CPB and efficient tools to assist with the detection of resistant variants and monitoring of resistant populations. Current strategies that may aid in slowing resistance include gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi, besides providing an efficient tool for gene functional studies, represents a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly strategy for CPB control. Genetically modified (GM) crops that produce the toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have many advantages over agro-technical, mechanical, biological, and chemical measures. However, pest resistance that may occur and public acceptance of GM modified food crops are the main problems associated with Bt crops. Recent developments in the speed, cost, and accuracy of next generation sequencing are revolutionizing the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and field of population genomics. There is a need for effective resistance monitoring programs that are capable of the early detection of resistance and successful implementation of integrated resistance management (IRM). The main focus of this review is on new technologies for CPB control (RNAi) and tools (SNPs) for detection of resistant CPB populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]