New GM potatoes from Kenyan breeders could yield more than 40 tons per hectare

This yield is explained by resistance to late blight. The Kenyan scientists' project was coordinated by Michigan State University in collaboration with KALRO, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, the International Potato Center and other partners. The AgroXXI.ru portal has read an article by Stanley Kimuge, published on the Nation Media Group portal, that scientists from Kenya have created a new genetically modified (GMO) potato variety that is resistant to the destructive late blight. The Global Potato Biotechnology Partnership project, led by Dr. Eric Magembe, resulted in successful testing of the variety in established field sites in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria. The trial, which began in May last year following approval from the National Biosafety Authority, was carried out at three Kenya Livestock Agricultural Research Organization (KALRO) sites. A new GM potato variety boasts resistance to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans, potentially eliminating the need ...