RE SEARCH Searching for root properties for more robust potato varieties places. They can also produce more lateral roots and thus absorb more nitrogen. Going outside Under controlled greenhouse conditions, Venema sees all kinds of differences between varieties. But how is that in the field? That’s the key question. At the Zilt Experimental station in Texel, Venema had the varieties planted with various salt concentrations this year. And at the ‘Kollumerwaard’ SPNA Experimental station in Munnekezijl, there’s currently a trial ongoing in which the varieties are exposed to drought, a lower N-input, and excess of water. ‘We want to know more about the relationship between greenhouse and field: how robust are the differences we find. And what changes in the root system in the greenhouse are reflected in the performance of the plant out in the field. And does it result in stronger plants and a better yield. Only then does it make sense to look for selection markers for specific root properties. A handicap in Venema’s research is that it works with tubers. ‘Tubers have a memory. You can only examine the same tubers for one season, after that you’ll be dealing with a new batch. Even if it’s the same variety, different genes may be ‘on’ or ‘off’ (epigenetics) under the influence of abiotic cultivation factors such as What changes in the root system in the greenhouse are reflected in the performance of the plant out in the field, researcher Venema wonders. drought. In addition, most potato varieties are tetraploid; they have four sets of genes. Such a large collection of genes gives a lot of noise.’ Venema is therefore pleased that he’s involved in a research project on the hybrid potato via another project, which will start this autumn. This is a research project within the partnership of NWO Domain and TTWHolland Innovative Potato, which includes WUR and Solynta. ‘This is getting closer to my research in the tomato. Because you’re working with diploid material, you can detect relationships faster. Moreover, you can do several years of testing with seed of the same batch.’ For a fundamental researcher such as Venema, this offers more opportunities to demonstrate robust connections. On the other hand, in the Groningen research he learns a lot from the contact with the breeders, who know the differences between their varieties like no-one else. ‘Based on their experience, growers and breeders have, of course, been taking into account the differences between varieties for some time now. I hope that I’ll soon be able to provide tools for making a faster screening of new genotypes with the desired root properties.’ ● Egbert Jonkheer Venema hopes that he will soon be able to provide tools for making a faster screening of new genotypes with the desired root properties. Potato World 2019 • number 4 9 Pagina 8
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