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Dryad

Development and regulatory approval of Kal91.3: Combining advanced conventional breeding with genetic engineering to create a cold sweetening resistant chip processing potato

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Abstract

Globally, potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important food crop, and due to an ever-expanding potato chip processing market, it is increasingly essential that supplies are maintained and available year-round. Cold storage at temperatures below 10 °C greatly increases the length of potato tuber storage, however, potatoes are susceptible to cold storage sweetening (CIS). At these temperatures, potato starch stored in the tuber converts to reducing sugars, leading to a darkened, bitter-tasting potato chip. Kalkaska is a potato variety with high yield and a highly desirable scab resistance however it is unreliable in managing reducing sugars in commercial storage. In this study, we report a comprehensive characterization and analysis of a genetically engineered potato line Kal91.3, utilizing VInv RNAi suppression to correct the reducing sugar management in Kalkaska. A full molecular characterization analysis was completed on Kal91.3, which demonstrated that there are two independent and stable T-DNA insertions. Through ddPCR, XdropTM enrichment, and additional confirmation with Sanger sequencing, the line was fully characterized. RNA analysis reported suppression of the VInv transcripts, which was further shown during a prolonged tuber storage period. Kalkaska and Kal91.3 tubers were stored at 4 °C for up to 8 months. Kal91.3 produced chips light in color, and the Kalkaska control produced dark chips typical of the CIS darkening response. The nptII gene was used as a selectable marker during transformation. NPTII expression was analyzed and reported as low and within the ranges of historically safe use. Compositional analysis demonstrated substantial equivalence for Kalkaska and Kal91.3. Kal91.3 is the first genetically engineered vegetable/grain product to have been developed by a non-industry organization and to have received regulatory clearance in the United States. Kal91.3 is expected to provide significant benefits, allowing processors to be able to utilize low temperature storage, improving the stability of their supply chain, and reducing waste.