Tech: Dutch researchers use resistant gene to help potato protect itself against blight

Scientists in the Netherlands, and the UK have discovered a new strategy for breeding a broad and durable blight resistance in potato varieties.

A resistance gene that enhances resistance has been identified in a South American wild relative of cultivated potatoes by the scientists from Wageningen University the Sainsbury Laboratory.

Wageningen University breeding research expert Vivianne Vleeshouwers said: “We identified a gene responsible for a totally new line of defence in wild relatives of potato. We hope this will help us to tackle late blight.”