Breeders release new genetically engineered potato in the United States

A NEW genetically engineered potato will get to market faster in the United States by being granted exemption from the biotechnology regulations placed on genetically modified products. The Kal91.3 potato, bred Michigan State University (MSU) potato breeder Professor Dave Douches from an MSU potato variety named Kalkaska, can be stored in cool temperatures for long periods of time without sucrose, leading to healthier and higher-quality products, including potato chips. The Kal91.3 potato can also potentially reduce the environmental impact of the growing process without as many fertilisers and pesticides needed to maintain the potato during storage. The variety was granted exemption from the biotechnology regulations by the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). Sucrose, the compound that sugar is typically stored in potatoes as, is broken down in potatoes by vacuolar acid invertase, an enzyme reactive to the external environment ...