The genetic basis of potatoes is created through fingerprinting

Niğde Potato Research and Development Institute Director Uğur Pırlak said that in the breeding and genetics laboratory of the institute, they are conducting studies with molecular markers in accordance with international standards to determine the genetic diversity and genetic identity of the potatoes developed and registered potato varieties.

Stating that they continue to implement various projects in addition to developing local and national food and industrial potato varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests, Manager Pırlak said, “As part of our breeding studies, we want to create this genetic base of the potato by removing it their “fingerprint”. At the Potato Fingerprint Removal Project, our work is carried out at the DNA level by our experts. Just as a person's fingerprint differs from that of other people, each type of potato is genetically different. “The pedigree determination of commercial varieties and candidate varieties developed by our institute is carried out by our experts using high-tech equipment for DNA isolation, PCR analysis and data analysis,” he said.

“We are working on 132 potato genotypes”

Pırlak explained that they can summarize their current work under three main headings: “One of them is to obtain high-yielding varieties by determining the genetic diversity and identity of potatoes at the DNA level as a result of breeding studies.” This will make these high-yielding potato varieties brought to market and our farmers can benefit from it. Another important point is that the same type of potato can be produced, propagated and traded under different names in one region. This can lead to disagreements and disputes. Determining the identity of potato varieties using the results of this project will make it possible to eliminate these problems. The most important issue in the seed industry is the production of seed varieties, registration of their veracity and protection of their rights. It is of great importance to conduct such studies. In our institute we work on 132 potato genotypes. “Thanks to these advanced and ongoing studies, we will continue to serve our country’s agriculture and potato industry by creating the genetic basis for potato varieties,” he said.