Researchers from Slovenia's National Institute of Biology (NIB), in collaboration with international partners, have developed potato-GEM, the first comprehensive genomic metabolic model for potatoes. This advanced tool is designed to revolutionize the development of potato varieties that are more resistant to pests and climate change, while simultaneously boosting crop yields.
The escalating global demand for food, driven by a growing population, places immense pressure on agricultural systems already facing environmental shifts. Potatoes, a staple crop feeding billions, are particularly vulnerable. Annual losses due to viral infections and pests like the Colorado potato beetle can reach up to 80%, underscoring the critical need for enhanced crop resilience and productivity. The potato-GEM model offers a sophisticated approach to understanding the complex interplay between a plant's growth and its defense mechanisms.
Potatoes subjected to stress tend to slow their growth to conserve resources for defense. Conversely, prioritizing rapid growth can leave them more susceptible to damage. This delicate balance, a fundamental challenge in plant biology, can now be analyzed with unprecedented detail using potato-GEM. Jan Zrimec, a researcher at NIB, explained that potato-GEM meticulously reconstructs the entire known secondary metabolism of this vital crop, allowing for a thorough analysis of growth-defense trade-offs. Kristina Gruden, head of the research group at NIB, emphasized that a deeper understanding of how plants respond to stress at a molecular level is key to improving breeding strategies.
The collaborative effort included institutions such as the University of Potsdam and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology. Professor Zoran Nikoloski from the University of Potsdam noted that the model provides an excellent platform for future development and application in breeding programs. The findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, representing a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology. The methodologies and principles behind potato-GEM are adaptable to other major crops, setting a precedent for predictive agriculture and offering a promising pathway towards a more secure and sustainable food future.