Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments

 Wisconsin

• With funding from USDA NIFA, the Endelman Lab at UW-Madison continues to invest in the development of computational tools for genomics-assisted breeding of potato (and other polyploids). Caraza-Harter and Endelman (2022) demonstrated the use of tools for multi-parental genetic mapping to investigate the genetic architecture of potato maturity. 
• Using data from the UW-Madison potato breeding program, Endelman (in press) and Pandey et al. (2023) illustrates the power of new software for the analysis of complex datasets spanning multiple traits and environments. The software includes new approaches to modeling inbreeding depression and the computation of restricted selection indices.
• Despite the theoretical advances for polyploid breeding, there are intrinsic advantages to breeding at the diploid level. Endelman is spearheading the analysis of allelic diversity at several key potato genes, such as CDF1for potato maturity and an2 for potato skin color. 

Michigan

• Breeding: Scab resistance, late blight resistance and PVY resistance is being introgressed into advanced breeding lines for the chip processing and table markets.
• Genome sequencing: the doubled monoploid, DM1S1 was sequenced mostly by Nanopore long read sequencing.  A manuscript was accepted for publication. 
• Diploid potato breeding: the genetics of self-compatibility is being studied; EBN1 wild species are being accessed using bridge crossing; dihaploids are being extracted by all the breeding programs to establish a diploid cultivated gene pool. Over 100 dihaploids are female fertile. These form the foundation for a diploid breeding program.
• Genetic engineering: potatoes have been engineered to be drought tolerant and late blight resistant.
• Multi-institution grants have been obtained as well as publications.

North Dakota

The NDSU potato breeding program conducts breeding, development and cultivar release of potato genotypes across all market classes, including red-skinned selections for the fresh market, round, white-skinned genotypes primarily for chip processing, dual-purpose russets (largely for French fry processing), and specialties with unique skin and flesh colors/patterns. Our project aims to release improved potato cultivars for grower, industry, and consumer adoption. Additionally, we contribute to production knowledge and guidelines. To address the needs of our potato producers and industry two research objectives address our basic goals:

1. Develop economically viable and sustainable potato cultivars and germplasm adapted to the Northern Plains region.
2. Evaluate and adopt breeding tools and emerging technologies for improving potato breeding efficiency. 

• New research specialist, Kelly Peppel, on-boarded in early January (NIFA funding).
• Dakota Russet accepted by McDonalds for McFries (March 2022).
• Planning and preparing for the Peltier Complex and the Potato Quality Lab (opening Spring 2024).
• Dakota Dawn, the first specialty cultivar from our breeding program, was released (March 2022).    

Current awards

Outreach

Douches, D. Montcalm Research Center Field Day, August 2022.

Douches, D. Variety Trial Field Day, Montcalm County, August 2022.

Douches, D. Potato Variety Day, MI, February 2022. 

Douches, D. Diploid potato breeding was the one of the invited talks at the Michigan Winter Potato Conference in February 2022.

Thompson, S. Genetic Improvement and Potato Cultivar Development for the Northern Plains. Northern Plains Potato Growers Association Research Reporting Conference. February 15, 2022. (invited)

Thompson, S. Tuber Storage Quality: Sugars and Starch. International Crops Expo. Potato Program. February 17, 2022. (invited)

Thompson, S. Genetic Improvement and Potato Cultivar Development for the Northern Plains. MN Area II Potato Shortcourse. February 22, 2022. (invited) – Cancelled due to storm so recorded and available on Andy Robinson’s website)

Thompson, S. Let’s Talk Potatoes. North Dakota Nutrition Council Webinar. April 27, 2022. (invited)

BL Farnsworth, NC Gudmestad, JS Pasche, GA Secor, and S Thompson (presenter).  Dakota Dawn: A unique and flavorful specialty fresh market cultivar. July 19, 2022. Potato Association of America 106^th Annual Meeting. Missoula, MT.

Thompson, S. NDSU Potato Breeding. Oakes Field Day. Oakes Research Extension Center. August 4, 2022. (invited)

Thompson, S. Dakota Russet. NDSU Research Foundation Meeting. August 12, 2022. NDSU President’s Office. (invited)

Thompson, S. NDSU Potato Breeding Program Update. NPPGA Field Day (Larimore/Hoople sites). August 25, 2022. (invited)

Thompson, S. NDSU Potato Breeding Update. MN Area II Research meeting. November 14, 2022. Informal round-table discussion.

Workshops and continuing education opportunities

Polyploid Workshop. January 13-14, 2022. Via Zoom.  Coordinated by David Byrne and the SCRI group (Development and Validation of Genetic/Genomic/Analytical Tools for Polyploid Crop Plants).

USDA Research Partners Meeting. January 26, 2022. Via Zoom.  Coordinated by Dr. Mike Grusak.

NDCSPGA Annual Meeting. February 16, 2022. Hosted by Kent Sather, NDSSD.