Spud Sequence

The James Hutton Institute's Glenn Bryan expects growers to start seeing benefits from potato genome sequencing projects within the decade, Farmers Weekly reports. Speaking at a recent UK Potato Council briefing, Bryan said that while genetic research has already taught breeders much about tuber shape, among other traits, genomics still may deepen scientists' understanding of what makes certain varieties resistant to potato cyste nemadote and blight. "This of course will benefit the grower and the environment, as less emphasis is placed on the need for chemical controls," Bryan said, according to Farmers Weekly.