NRSPOLD006: Inter-Regional Potato Introduction Project
Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [03/20/2003] [08/19/2003] [02/07/2005] [08/29/2005]
Date of Annual Report: 03/20/2003
Report Information:
Participants:
URL: Copy of participant list
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
URL: Copy of minutes
Accomplishments:
A. Introduction of New StocksDr. Bamberg, accompanied by Charles Fernandez (US Potato Genebank); Dr. Chuck Brown (USDA, Prosser WA); and Dr. Joe Pavek (USDA, Retired), participated in a successful expedition to the southwest United States and obtained 19 new accessions for the collaborative intergenebank research project, and collected additional populations for screening of Columbia root-knot nematode.
A total of 73 seed accessions were assigned PI numbers in 2002: 16 from Russia, 27 from Poland, 11 from Bolivia, and 19 from the SW United States. Six clonal accessions were assigned PI numbers in 2002: 4 from Mexico, 1 from Poland, and 1 from Bolivia. These accessions are now available from the NRSP-6 Solanum germplasm collection.
B. Preservation and Increase of Stocks
In 2002, a total of 91 accessions were increased as botanical seed populations.
A total of 600 potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) tests were performed on seed increase parents, seed lots and research materials. Germination tests were performed on 1,106 accessions; ploidy determinations were made on 30 accessions.
Research continues on the use of 2,4-D on pollinated flowers to help with fruit retention and seed production. Growth retardants are being assessed for use as tuber and flower promoters in the wild species and as a method to control plant height in greenhouse and screenhouse-grown plants for crossing.
The Association of Potato Intergenebank Collaborators (APIC) constructed a database of all wild potato holdings of the potato genebanks in Argentina, Europe, Peru, and the United States. The Intergenebank Potato Database (IPD) (www.potgenebank.org/ipd/) continues to be a very useful resource for clientele around the world. Dr. Alfonso del Rio represented NRSP-6 at the APIC meeting in Hamburg, Germany.
A study was completed comparing germplasm from the Russian (VIR) and United States (NRSP-6) duplicate accessions. Most are significantly different. Work continues on comparisons between US and CIP collections. The next step in the study will be to look at DNA comparisons to variation in trait expression or frequency between intergenebank seedlots.
Work continued with Dr. C. Millers lab screening for antioxidants in uncolored wild potato species tubers. Previous screening among species identified ones with promising levels of tuber antioxidant capacity. Some diploid Mexican species seem to have high antioxidant in common: S. cardiophyllum, S. jamesii, and S. pinnatisectum. These and other species were retested with multiple PIs. Variation within promising PIs was also studied. Only S. pinnatisectum demonstrated particularly consistent high levels within populations.
Cold resistant breeding work continues with recurrent selection of S. tuberosum, S. acaule and S. commersonii hybrids. Materials are now maturing earlier with the introgression of very early varieties and which survive in vitro leaf freezing to 5oC. Selections were planted at Copic Bay, Oregon area in the summer of 2002. The best selections will be submitted to UW Madison colleagues for more focused lab assessments.
Late Blight screening at a field site very close to Lake Michigan (cool temperatures and high humidity) was completed for a second year. In 2001, two highly segregating PIs of S. microdontum 473170 and S. okadae 458367 and their F2 hybrids were tested. There was a 70% correlation with previous results on the same clones at Cornell by Bill Fry, so this local test will be useful to verify resistance of newly imported germplasm. In 2002, Polish, Russian, Mexican and CIP introductions were tested.
Geographical parameters and proximity to related species predict genetic variation in the inbred potato species Solanum verrucosum. Such links had not been previously detected in S. fendleri, S. jamesii or S. sucrense. Resolution and fine-tuning to locations may be enhanced by inbreeding and uniformity. The highest correlations to genetic rarity (a populations average genetic difference from all others) were latitude, longitude and proximity to the nearest S. hjertingii population.
C. Classification
Dr. Spooner continues to resolve problems in taxonomic classification that impede both efficient documentation and use of the germplasm. At present Dr. Spooner, in collaboration with Dr. R van den Berg, Dr. R. Hijmans, and Dr. A. Rodriguez, is working on a book of Wild Potato Species of North and Central America, which will be a valuable tool for germplasm users worldwide.
D. Distribution
NRSP-6 distributed 3,447 units of seed, 643 tuber families, 919 in vitro stocks and 215 herbarium samples to clientele in 20 states of the United States and 14 other countries. Internally, NRSP-6 used 6,371 units of seed for chromosome counts, germination tests, identification and taxonomic check plantings, in vitro maintenance, seed increases, PSTV tests, and miscellaneous plantings. The volume and types of stocks sent to various consignee categories are summarized in a table available on the full committee copy of the annual report.
E. Visitors From Other Countries
Ms N. Gomez Panama
Dr. P. Anderson Peru
Dr. J. Prohens Spain
Dr. Y. Hosaka Japan
WORK PLANNED FOR 2003
Evaluation experiments will be continued on Solanum species for the following traits: antioxidants, frost hardiness, rooting vigor, tuber calcium, late blight resistance, hormone mutants, and glycoalkaloids.
The general objective of NRSP-6, to promote and facilitate potato research and breeding, will be pursued by continuing high quality service with respect to introduction, preservation, classification, evaluation, and distribution of potato germplasm to clients in the U.S. and around the world.
APIC intergenebank projects researching the status and dynamics of genetic diversity in the collection using RAPDs and strengthening ties with sister genebanks around the world will be continued.
Impact Statements:
- NRSP-6's purpose is to provide a ready source of raw materials, technology and information to support potato enhancement, breeding and research in the US and around the world. Thus, one way the success of NRSP-6 can be measured is by the use of NRSP-6 germplasm in the pedigrees of new, improved potato cultivars. Another is in the use of NRSP-6 stocks in more basic research programs, which also ultimately contribute to human utilization of the potato crop, these being reflected in publications
- Five cultivar releases were published in the American Journal of Potato Research in 2002: AC Sunbury, IdaRose, Red Companion, Gem Russet, and Bannock Russet. All are known to have wild species in their pedigrees.
- Publications included 124 papers, 32 abstracts, 1 poster, and 3 theses which report the use of NRSP-6 Solanum introductions this year.
Date of Annual Report: 08/19/2003
Report Information:
Participants:
- Attending: Al Mosley (Chair), C.Y. Hu, Chuck Brown (Vice-chair), Steve Slack, Dave Douches (Secretary), Creighton Miller, Allan Stoner, David Spooner, Walter DeJong, Max Martin, John Bamberg, Steve Riley and Joe Coombs (MSU guest)
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
URL: Copy of minutes
Accomplishments:
PROGRESS AND PRINCIPAL ACCOMPLISHMENTSA. Introduction of New Stocks
Dr. Bamberg and Charles Fernandez (US Potato Genebank) had a successful expedition to the southwest United States and obtained four new accessions of Solanum jamesii. They explored the Northwest corner of Arizona and found the first potato germplasm from Mojave County, two new collections at previous herbarium record sites near Flagstaff, and a new site on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
A total of 13 accessions were assigned PI numbers in 2003: two from Sweden, one from Poland, one from Mexico, five from the United Kingdom, and four from the SW United States. These accessions are now available from the NRSP-6 Solanum germplasm collection.
Several steps were taken in the past year to promote and educate researchers of NRSP-6?s services and stocks. The NRSP-6 web page (http://www.ars-grin.gov/nr6) has been updated and made more user friendly. Clientele that have ordered from NRSP-6 in the past four years are contacted biannually informing them of new materials that are now available either as true seed, tubers, in vitro plantlets, or herbarium samples. An NRSP-6 informational poster was presented at the PAA and CSSA meetings. A new trifold pamphlet was printed for distribution to school and tour groups and is available on the web page.
B. Preservation and Increase of Stocks
In 2003, a total of 124 accessions were increased as botanical seed populations. A total of 900 potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) tests were performed on seed increase parents, seedlots and research materials. Germination tests were performed on 1,437 accessions, ploidy determinations were made on 51 accessions, and tetrazolium seed viability tests were done on 101 seedlots.
Tetrazolium testing is a new tool to help increase understanding of poor germination on some seedlots. Investigations continue on low germ seedlots, trying different heat treatments and longer GA presoak. A project with NSSL on long-term potato seed viability in different storage systems and methods of prestorage handling was started.
The Association of Potato Intergenebank Collaborators (APIC) (visit the APIC database at www.potgenebank.org/ipd/) have several cooperative research projects planned: a graduate student working on an in-situ pollen study at CIP (The International Potato Center), a recessive allele mining study for nematode resistance in S. andigena with Russian (VIR) colleagues, and a completed publication of the screening S. andigena for new sources of nematode resistance in collaboration with Dr. S. Kiru (VIR). Dr. A. Del Rio attended the APIC meeting in Valdivia, Chile in March 2004.
Publications of collections and documentation of stocks play an important role in information dissemination. 2003 had two publications of significant importance to the Genebank: Wild Potatoes (Solanum section Petota) of North and Central America, Spooner et al. and A decade of collecting and research on wild potatoes of the Southwest USA, Bamberg et al.
Work continued with Dr. C. Miller?s lab screening for antioxidants in uncolored wild potato species tubers. Previous screening among species identified ones with promising levels of tuber antioxidant capacity. Some diploid ?Mexican? species seem to have high antioxidants in common: S. cardiophyllum, S. jamesii, and S. pinnatisectum. Continued fine screening is discovering high levels of antioxidants in species that are crossable to tuberosum and known to have acceptable levels of glycoalkaloids.
Screening the minicore collection for the ability to stop or reduce the growth of tumors of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. From a literature search on anti-cancer foods there is evidence that some potato varieties have high levels of proteinase inhibitors known to help in the fight against some forms of cancer.
Cold resistant breeding work continues with recurrent selection of S. tuberosum, S. acaule and S. commersonii hybrids. S. commersonii cytoplasm was eliminated as a source of frost resistance in cytoplasmic substitution backcross families. Materials are now maturing earlier with the introgression of very early varieties and which survive in vitro leaf freezing to ?5oC. These samples were tested in the Biotron at Madison using the relative freezing tolerance (RFT) method. The results closely correlate the in vitro leaf-freezing assay.
Screening the S. andigena population (170 accessions) for Jelly End with cooperator Dr. Asunta Tompson at North Dakota. Twelve plants per accession were planted in the screenhouse for tuber production, and a parallel planting was done in ND. The screenhouse tubers are planted in Weslaco, TX and will be evaluated in June.
High glycoalkaloid levels in the leaves correlates to insect resistance and low levels in the tubers makes them palatable. Continued screening and recurrent selection within accessions for high foliage and low tuber glycoalkaloid levels and generated another cycle of tissue for testing in 2004.
A publication entitled ?The Association of Ecogeographic Parameters and Genetic Diversity in S. verrucosum? was completed. Geographical parameters and proximity to related species predict genetic variation in the inbred potato species Solanum verrucosum. Such links had not been previously detected in S. fendleri, S. jamesii or S. sucrense. Resolution and fine-tuning to locations may be enhanced by inbreeding and uniformity. The highest correlations to genetic rarity (a population?s average genetic difference from all others) were latitude, longitude and proximity to the nearest S. hjertingii population.
It is habit to select the largest seedlings when transplanting. Does this practice unknowingly cause genetic drift? A comparison of the genetics of small and large seedlings from original seedlots to detect potential selection in the genebank at transplanting was initiated.
Several interesting mutants were discovered in the collection this past year that are now being crossed for genetic studies. S. fendleri, typically a purple flowered plant with purple highlights, was found pigmentless. A S. microdontum mutant has a fused sepal. Lucky (S. juzepczukii), a Bolivian variety, had a spontaneous clonal dwarf.
C. Classification
Dr. Spooner et al. have published Wild Potatoes (Solanum section Petota) of North and Central America. Dr. Spooner continues to resolve problems in taxonomic classification that impede both efficient documentation and use of the germplasm. At present he is working on a use-based classification of varieties.
D. Distribution
NRSP-6 distributed 8,700 units of seed, 63 tuber families, 943 in vitro stocks, and 153 herbarium samples to clientele in 24 states of the United States and 13 other countries. Internally, NRSP-6 used 2,833 units of seed for chromosome counts, germination tests, identification and taxonomic check plantings, in vitro maintenance, seed increases, PSTV tests, and miscellaneous plantings. The volume and types of stocks sent to various consignee categories are summarized in the table below.
VOLUME AND TYPES OF STOCKS DISTRIBUTED
Units1
Category S TF TS IVS HERB TOTAL PIs
Domestic 7,610 52 2089 634 153 10,538 4,237
Foreign 1,090 11 32 309 0 1442 1151
NRSP-62 2,833 0 0 0 0 2,833 1,457
Total 11,533 63 2,121 943 153 14,813 6,845
1 Types of stocks sent/(number of seeds, tubers or plantlets per standard shipping unit): S= True Seeds/(50), TF= Tuber Families/(10), TS=Tuber Stocks/(3), IVS=In Vitro Stocks/(1), Herbarium/(1).
2 Includes chromosome counts, germination tests, ID and Taxonomic check plantings, in vitro maintenance, seed increases, PSTV tests, miscellaneous plantings, and NSSL seed backup.
Impact Statements:
- Evaluation experiments will be continued on Solanum species for the following traits: antioxidants, frost hardiness, rooting vigor, tuber calcium, late blight resistance, hormone mutants, proteinase inhibitors, and glycoalkaloids.
- Continuing high quality service with respect to introduction, preservation, classification, evaluation, and distribution of potato germplasm to clients in the U.S. and around the world will pursue the general objective of NRSP-6, to promote and facilitate potato research and breeding.
- APIC Intergenebank projects researching the status and dynamics of genetic diversity in the collection using RAPDs and strengthening ties with sister genebanks around the world will be continued.
Date of Annual Report: 02/07/2005
Report Information:
Participants:
- Present: J. Bamberg, P. Bretting, C. Brown (Chair), W. De Jong (Secretary), D. Douches (Vice-Chair), S. Jansky, L-S. Lin, T. Nelson, C-Y. Hu, M. Martin, C. Miller, A. Mosley, R. Novy, S. Reiling, W. Roca, J. Schartner, S. Slack, D. Spooner, R. Tarn, A.M. Thro
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
NRSP-6 (Potato Genebank) Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Sturgeon Bay, June 29-30, 2004Present: J. Bamberg, P. Bretting, C. Brown (Chair), W. De Jong (Secretary), D. Douches (Vice-Chair), S. Jansky, L-S. Lin, T. Nelson, C-Y. Hu, M. Martin, C. Miller, A. Mosley, R. Novy, S. Reiling, W. Roca, J. Schartner, S. Slack, D. Spooner, R. Tarn, A.M. Thro
1. C. Brown called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M. The meeting agenda was distributed, introductions were made, and announcements were invited. [Thro, Roca, Novy, and Lin were present as part of an external (five year) review of the genebank. They were joined on June 30 by D. Sklarczyk and R. Lower].
2. Minutes of last years TAC meeting were approved without change.
3. Resolutions committee was appointed (C. Miller, D. Douches, and A. Mosley).
4. S. Slack provided general administrative comments. New guidelines have been developed for NRSP projects. Clear intent is to support projects of national significance only for a limited duration. Recent letter from Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP), detailing what NRSP-6 would need to demonstrate for continued support (project uniqueness, plan for transition to other funding sources), was discussed at length. Slack drafted a reply letter, received feedback, and will send revised letter to ESCOP. Timetable for project renewal: Outline due in September, full proposal in December. ESCOP decision will be made in March 2005.
Slack suggested Bamberg and Bretting make informational (not sales) presentation to experiment station directors in Sept, so that directors, many of whom have held their position for relatively short periods, can learn of potato genebank activities.
Thro suggested that State directors should be asked: do they wish to support crop genebanks in general? Or should they be supported entirely by ARS? Bretting noted that having CSREES support provided operational flexibility, insofar as it allowed state employees to be hired. The potato genebank is located on state, not federal, property.
At present off-the-top funding provides $160,000 of genebank annual $700,000 budget. ARS and Univ. of WI provide the rest. Bretting noted that all genebanks were once funded 50:50 by federal and state sources, but is currently more like 85:15 federal:state. Added that selling the project as leveraging other sources of funding was most likely to succeed.
Nelson stated that farm bill is more oriented towards environmental than production issues, and would likely assume a nutritional emphasis in the future. These priorities should be reflected in project renewal proposal.
6. Technical advisor comments. Regional reports were distributed by Brown, De Jong, Douches, and Miller. For the benefit of the external review panel members present Brown pointed out that one of the largest users of germplasm for research purposes was the genebank director; Bambergs role is clearly much more than just curator. De Jong asked whether it was worth revisiting longstanding genebank policy of maintaining relatively few clones, as there is increasing interest in heritage varieties by organic growers. Also suggested that it might be wise to place a priority on maintaining varieties that are outstanding other than for a single weakness that could be repaired in the future by transgenic approaches. Miller noted that potato consumption is so high (circa 140 pounds per capita) that even small improvements in nutritional quality could make a significant impact on human health. Accordingly together with Bamberg he is continuing to screen germplasm for high antioxidant activity. Douches observed that the North Central Region has had a long history of studies in potato genetics; many of the several thousand accessions distributed in the NCR during 2003 were again requested for this purpose. The other region that requests very large quantities from the genebank is the Northwest; Mosley noted that 2003 requests for this region had doubled compared to 2002. Tarn reported that genetic fingerprinting of many blue-fleshed varieties in Fredericton had shown that many were identical; observed the same for some purple skinned/white fleshed clones, and some fingerlings. The Canadian program is also screening for improved nutritional quality (e.g. high antioxidants).
7. Bamberg provided an overview of all genebank activities. Based on recent TAC recommendations has been seeking to increase genebank profile: is working to improve web page, he and M. Martin have made presentations about genebank at annual PAA and Crop Science meetings. His emails to genebank users that describe new material as it becomes available, has increased germplasm requests.
He also discussed 40+ page project renewal proposal at length, received feedback from both TAC and external review panel members.
8. Spooner gave a half-hour slide presentation, summarizing current taxonomic efforts. One finding of interest: both molecular and careful phenotypic analyses are unable to separate many so-called potato species into distinct groups.
9. National program leader Bretting distributed a handout and reported that ARS germplasm units as a whole recently hired 15 more scientists. Implications for germplasm users of International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, as well as the Convention on Biodiversity, are still not completely clear. The most important issues will hopefully be resolved in the coming year. Roca noted that 90% of CIP germplasm was acquired before December 1993, and thus not subject to restrictions on distribution and use.
[Meeting suspended 5 pm, resumed 8:30 on June 30. A delicious fish boil intervened.]
10. Resolutions: the following motions were submitted by the Resolutions committee and unanimously approved by participants.
- Whereas, the NRSP-6 Project is reviewed by CSREES every five years; and
Whereas, the 2004 review was scheduled to overlap with the annual meeting of the NRSP-6 TAC in Sturgeon Bay, WI, in order to provide maximum insight into the workings of the Committee and the Project in general; and
Whereas the Review Team was composed of Dr. Liang-Shiu Lin, Dr. Richard Lower, Dr. Richard Novy, Dr. Willy Roca, Mr. Don Sklaczyk, and Chaired by Dr. Ann Marie Thro;
Therefore, be it resolved that the NRSP-6 TAC express sincere appreciation to the review team members for their time and thoughtful evaluation and suggestions regarding the Project.
- Whereas, Charles (Chico) Fernandez has faithfully served NSRP-6 and the potato industry for more than 25 years; and
Whereas, the National Plant Germplasm System recognized his dedicated and insightful contributions to the collection, maintenance and characterization of potato genetic resources by presenting him with the 2004 NPGS Special Achievement Award and cash prize of $2,000,
Therefore, be it resolved that NRSP-6 personnel and members to the TAC warmly congratulate Charles, on this auspicious occasion and express sincere appreciation for his continuing efforts in promoting NRSP-6 goals relative to germplasm characterization, preservation and distribution.
- Whereas, John Bamberg, David Spooner, Jesse Schartner, Max Martin, Sheila Stoneman, Alfonso del Rio, Charles Fernandez and Adele Douglass perform necessary maintenance, conduct original research, collect new germplasm, provide leadership relative to primitive cultivars and wild species, and distribute germplasm without restriction to US scientists and the world at large, and
Whereas, these activities are conducted in an exemplary fashion and as an altruistic service to the scientific establishment and the world at large,
Therefore, be it resolved that we express our appreciation to this elite team of professionals who have made the NRSP-6 a highly respected premiere genebank throughout the potato world.
- Whereas, Dr. John Bamberg and his staff hosted the 2004 meeting of the NRSP-6 in Sturgeon Bay, WI, June 29-30, 2004; and
Whereas, the NRSP-6 staff arranged the excellent meeting facilities, refreshments and accommodations; and
Whereas, the committee is most appreciative of the social and whitefish dinner arranged by the NRSP-6 staff;
Therefore, be it resolved that the NRSP-6 TAC express sincere thanks to the staff for arranging a highly successful and productive meeting.
- Whereas, NRSP-6 personnel prepared materials documenting seven years of progress in collecting, evaluating, distributing, and preserving potato germplasm; and
Whereas, project leader John Bamberg and staff created and nurtured a forum conducive to open, objective exchange of ideas intended to enhance germplasm availability and utilization, and;
Whereas members of the 2004 CSREES review team effectively used all aforementioned materials and available human resources in formulating steps assuring the continued success of NRSP-6 plans and aspirations;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the NRSP-6 TAC express sincere appreciation to all persons present for their dedicated efforts in furthering potato germplasm usage.
11. Officers for coming year: Secretary: C. Miller Vice-Chair: W. De Jong Chair: D. Douches
12. Venue for 2005: Oregon, precise site TBA. A. Mosley hosting. Late June or early July.
13. Meeting adjourned 9:10 am, June 30. Tour of facilities followed.
Accomplishments:
PROGRESS AND PRINCIPAL ACCOMPLISHMENTSA. Introduction of New Stocks Dr. Bamberg and Charles Fernandez (US Potato Genebank) had a successful expedition to the southwest United States and obtained four new accessions of Solanum jamesii. They explored the Northwest corner of Arizona and found the first potato germplasm from Mojave County, two new collections at previous herbarium record sites near Flagstaff, and a new site on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
A total of 13 accessions were assigned PI numbers in 2003: two from Sweden, one from Poland, one from Mexico, five from the United Kingdom, and four from the SW United States. These accessions are now available from the NRSP-6 Solanum germplasm collection.
Several steps were taken in the past year to promote and educate researchers of NRSP-6s services and stocks. The NRSP-6 web page (http://www.ars-grin.gov/nr6) has been updated and made more user friendly. Clientele that have ordered from NRSP-6 in the past four years are contacted biannually informing them of new materials that are now available either as true seed, tubers, in vitro plantlets, or herbarium samples. An NRSP-6 informational poster was presented at the PAA and CSSA meetings. A new trifold pamphlet was printed for distribution to school and tour groups and is available on the web page.
B. Preservation and Increase of Stocks
In 2003, a total of 124 accessions were increased as botanical seed populations.
A total of 900 potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) tests were performed on seed increase parents, seedlots and research materials. Germination tests were performed on 1,437 accessions, ploidy determinations were made on 51 accessions, and tetrazolium seed viability tests were done on 101 seedlots.
Tetrazolium testing is a new tool to help increase understanding of poor germination on some seedlots. Investigations continue on low germ seedlots, trying different heat treatments and longer GA presoak. A project with NSSL on long-term potato seed viability in different storage systems and methods of prestorage handling was started.
The Association of Potato Intergenebank Collaborators (APIC) (visit the APIC database at www.potgenebank.org/ipd/) have several cooperative research projects planned: a graduate student working on an in-situ pollen study at CIP (The International Potato Center), a recessive allele mining study for nematode resistance in S. andigena with Russian (VIR) colleagues, and a completed publication of the screening S. andigena for new sources of nematode resistance in collaboration with Dr. S. Kiru (VIR). Dr. A. Del Rio attended the APIC meeting in Valdivia, Chile in March 2004.
Publications of collections and documentation of stocks play an important role in information dissemination. 2003 had two publications of significant importance to the Genebank: Wild Potatoes (Solanum section Petota) of North and Central America, Spooner et al. and A decade of collecting and research on wild potatoes of the Southwest USA, Bamberg et al.
Work continued with Dr. C. Millers lab screening for antioxidants in uncolored wild potato species tubers. Previous screening among species identified ones with promising levels of tuber antioxidant capacity. Some diploid Mexican species seem to have high antioxidants in common: S. cardiophyllum, S. jamesii, and S. pinnatisectum. Continued fine screening is discovering high levels of antioxidants in species that are crossable to tuberosum and known to have acceptable levels of glycoalkaloids.
Screening the minicore collection for the ability to stop or reduce the growth of tumors of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. From a literature search on anti-cancer foods there is evidence that some potato varieties have high levels of proteinase inhibitors known to help in the fight against some forms of cancer.
Cold resistant breeding work continues with recurrent selection of S. tuberosum, S. acaule and S. commersonii hybrids. S. commersonii cytoplasm was eliminated as a source of frost resistance in cytoplasmic substitution backcross families. Materials are now maturing earlier with the introgression of very early varieties and which survive in vitro leaf freezing to 5oC. These samples were tested in the Biotron at Madison using the relative freezing tolerance (RFT) method. The results closely correlate the in vitro leaf-freezing assay.
Screening the S. andigena population (170 accessions) for Jelly End with cooperator Dr. Asunta Tompson at North Dakota. Twelve plants per accession were planted in the screenhouse for tuber production, and a parallel planting was done in ND. The screenhouse tubers are planted in Weslaco, TX and will be evaluated in June.
High glycoalkaloid levels in the leaves correlates to insect resistance and low levels in the tubers makes them palatable. Continued screening and recurrent selection within accessions for high foliage and low tuber glycoalkaloid levels and generated another cycle of tissue for testing in 2004. A publication entitled The Association of Ecogeographic Parameters and Genetic Diversity in S. verrucosum was completed. Geographical parameters and proximity to related species predict genetic variation in the inbred potato species Solanum verrucosum. Such links had not been previously detected in S. fendleri, S. jamesii or S. sucrense. Resolution and fine-tuning to locations may be enhanced by inbreeding and uniformity. The highest correlations to genetic rarity (a populations average genetic difference from all others) were latitude, longitude and proximity to the nearest S. hjertingii population.
It is habit to select the largest seedlings when transplanting. Does this practice unknowingly cause genetic drift? A comparison of the genetics of small and large seedlings from original seedlots to detect potential selection in the genebank at transplanting was initiated.
Several interesting mutants were discovered in the collection this past year that are now being crossed for genetic studies. S. fendleri, typically a purple flowered plant with purple highlights, was found pigmentless. A S. microdontum mutant has a fused sepal. Lucky (S. juzepczukii), a Bolivian variety, had a spontaneous clonal dwarf.
C. Classification
Dr. Spooner et al. have published Wild Potatoes (Solanum section Petota) of North and Central America. Dr. Spooner continues to resolve problems in taxonomic classification that impede both efficient documentation and use of the germplasm. At present he is working on a use-based classification of varieties.
D. Distribution
NRSP-6 distributed 8,700 units of seed, 63 tuber families, 943 in vitro stocks, and 153 herbarium samples to clientele in 24 states of the United States and 13 other countries. Internally, NRSP-6 used 2,833 units of seed for chromosome counts, germination tests, identification and taxonomic check plantings, in vitro maintenance, seed increases, PSTV tests, and miscellaneous plantings. The volume and types of stocks sent to various consignee categories are summarized in the table below.
Anticipated Accomplishments WORK PLANNED FOR 2004
Evaluation experiments will be continued on Solanum species for the following traits: antioxidants, frost hardiness, rooting vigor, tuber calcium, late blight resistance, hormone mutants, proteinase inhibitors, and glycoalkaloids. Continuing high quality service with respect to introduction, preservation, classification, evaluation, and distribution of potato germplasm to clients in the U.S. and around the world will pursue the general objective of NRSP-6, to promote and facilitate potato research and breeding.
APIC Intergenebank projects researching the status and dynamics of genetic diversity in the collection using RAPDs and strengthening ties with sister genebanks around the world will be continued
Impact Statements:
- NRSP-6s purpose is to provide a ready source of raw materials, technology and information to support potato enhancement, breeding and research in the US and around the world. Thus, one way the success of NRSP-6 can be measured is by the use of NRSP-6 germplasm in the pedigrees of new, improved potato cultivars. Another is in the use of NRSP-6 stocks in more basic research programs, which also ultimately contribute to human utilization of the potato crop, these being reflected in publications.
- Five cultivar releases were published in the American Journal of Potato Research in 2002: Alturas, Boulder, Ivory Crisp, Modoc, and Wallowa Russet. All are known to have wild species in their pedigrees.
- Section 6 lists 122 papers, 32 abstracts, 1 poster, and 3 theses which report the use of NRSP-6 Solanum introductions this year.
Date of Annual Report: 08/29/2005
Report Information:
Participants:
- Committee Members Present: J. Bamberg, C. Brown, W. De Jong (Vice-Chair), D. Douches (Chair), C-Y. Hu, M. Martin. C. Miller (Secretary), A. Mosley, S. Reiling, S. Slack. D. Spooner, R. Tarn Others Present: Isabel Vales, Jeannie Miller, Susana Rigato, Christian Thill, Solomon Yilma
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
1. D. Douches called the meeting to order at 7:45 AM. The meeting agenda was distributed, introductions were made, and announcements were invited. Genebank documents were available for printing on the NRSP-6 website prior to the meeting.2. The agenda was approved as distributed. Miller moved that the majority of business be accomplished on 21 June. Motion seconded by Tarn and approved.
3. Minutes of the 2004 TAC meeting were approved with no changes.
4. The Resolutions Committee was appointed (C. Brown [Chair], R. Tarn, C. Thill).
5. S. Slack reported on general administrative developments and prospects for the project, FY06-10. He also summarized basic recommendations from the ESCOP (Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy) Germplasm Task Force.
" The NRSP Review Committee makes preliminary recommendations annually. Additionally, an external review takes place at the five-year rewrite interval. Responses to the Committees recommendations are due June 24. Final decision will be made at the full meeting of the Experiment Station Section (ESS) in late September. NRSP-6 project has been recommended for approval for five years, at $150,000 for FY 06 and decreasing to $50,000/YR for years four and five. The NRSP germplasm groups are NRSP-6 and NRSP-5 (virus-free fruit trees). A coordinating committee representing ARS, CSREES, and ESCOP has been recommended to be established by an ESCOP Task Force; the Task Force report will be considered for approval at the ESS meeting as well. Miller inquired as to the composition of the committee. Slack indicated that there would be representation from each group, if the ESS approves the recommendation and ARS and CSREES are supportive, but couldnt presume specifics. Miller suggested that a representative from NRSP-6 (i.e., someone sympathetic to potatoes) should be included on the coordinating committee.
" Extensive discussion followed. The Coordinating Committee would not impact operations of NRSP-6, except presumably through budget recommendations, it would be more of a policy group on germplasm in the country and how it is coordinated across species. The assault on Hatch funds and the consequences of their potential elimination were also discussed. Loss of Hatch funds would be devastating for long-term research such as public plant breeding programs. The importance of carefully constructed impact statements which can be easily understood by policy makers and consumers was underscored. The importance of educating the National Potato Council of the activities of NRSP-6 and its impact on the US potato industry was emphasized. Bamberg has been invited to make a presentation to the NPC Seed Seminar in December, where he will further educate this group on NRSP-6 activities. Douches suggested that articles in popular publications such as Spudman, Potato Grower, and Potato Country could be used to increase grower awareness and gain support. Slack is to contact John Keeling of the National Potato Council to invite representation by this body at the NRSP-6 annual meetings.
" Slack agreed to draft a response to the NRSP Review Committee recommendations for NRSP-6: The recommendation to renew NRSP-6 is appreciated,especially the recognition that NRSP-6 is meeting a critical genetic resource need nationally and internationally. Representation via Appendix E has been largely addressed and stakeholder communications will be directly addressed in annual reports, etc. We recognize the concern regarding the use of off-the-top funds as a support mechanism, independent of the quality and need for the NRSP-6 mission, and therefore feel that the acceptance and implementation of the ESCOP Task Force on Germplasm report is very important. NRSP-6 is quite concerned about the proposed reduction of funds for the next five-year period, but will work with all concerned funding entities to address program and user needs and direction in the funding period covered.
Mosley moved and Miller seconded the acceptance of the response. Motion passed.
6. No additional comments from Regional Administrative Advisors (Reiling, Westerman, Hu).
7. Regional and ARS Tech Reports were presented by Brown, DeJong, Miller, Douches, and Mosley (see attached reports). It was evident that NRSP-6 germplasm plays a critical role in supporting potato research throughout the US, and that hobbyists, gardeners, and other consumers also benefit greatly from easy access to this material. The North Central Region is the biggest user of NRSP-6 material.
8. Tarn reported on Agriculture and Agrifoods Canada (report attached). Replacement for Dermot Lynch who retired at Lethbridge has been completed. The technical aspects of moving germplasm into Canada were discussed.
9. Genebank progress overview for 2004 to the present was presented by Bamberg, Martin, and Spooner (reports attached). Spooner presented a complete report of his extensive research activities, which included a very productive stay at CIP. CIP officials were very cooperative in providing manpower and facilities for conducting his research. The political situation in South America is still preventing collection of additional materials. Spooner has concluded that European potatoes originated in Chile rather than Peru. He is Secretary of the Botanical Association of America, and is coordinating the meetings of three Solanaceae groups in Madison July 23 27, 2006. Bamberg provided an overview of genebank activities, including research and development which he believes are the core functions. This documentation adds value to the collection, resulting in greater service to stakeholders. Bamberg elaborated on budget items related to NRSP-6. Slack is to contact Peter Bretting for clarification of NRSP-6-related items, including the new funding received by Madison, and how these funds are related to the reduction in off-the-top funding from the state experiment stations.
10-14. Brettings report from USDA, ARS NPGS NPL was distributed. No reports were received from: USDA, ARS potato NPL (Cameron); USDA, ARS Midwest Area; SREES rep comments (Thro); APHIS and quarantine rep comments (Levy), as these entities were not represented at the meeting.
Afternoon, Tues June 21
15. Mosley and staff presented an overview of the Oregon State University breeding program, followed by an extensive tour of laboratory, greenhouse, and field facilities and research plots.
Reconvened at 4:30
16-17. Secretary Miller reviewed most important points from the morning session which centered on the TACs response to the NRSP Review Committee report. Miller moved and Mosley seconded that Slack contact the NPC and enlist their support in identifying a representative of their choice to attend NRSP-6 meetings. Motion passed. Slack contacted John Keeling after the meeting, and Keeling recommended Don Sklarczyk of Johannesburg, MI to represent NPC on NRSP-6; Slack spoke to Sklarczyk and he has agreed to serve in this capacity (this would essentially be a voting technical representative). A number of questions related to NRSP-6 cannot be resolved until future meetings of ESCOP/ESS are held. Spooner noted that Jack Hawkes 90th birthday was approaching, and provided a birthday card for all to sign.
18. Resolutions: the following motions were submitted by the Resolutions Committee and were unanimously approved in spirit:
" Whereas Dr. Alvin Mosley of Oregon State University has been an enthusiastic supporter of the NRSP-6 program for the entire tenure of his membership on the Technical Advisory Committee; and
Whereas, Dr. Mosley has provided leadership and a vision for the NRSP-6 program throughout the years; and
Whereas, Dr. Mosley has been an avid believer in the value of incorporation of new genetic variation in the potato breeding pool; and
Whereas Dr. Mosley has prolifically selected new named varieties with arrays of new traits needed by the industry; and
Whereas Dr. Mosley has promoted teamwork in his own institution and has modeled this teamwork by extensive sharing of resources; and
Whereas Dr. Mosley has presided over the creation of a statewide multi-location potato breeding program during his career at Oregon State University; and
Whereas he leaves this program with tremendous promise for the future upon his retirement; and
Whereas the potato breeding program at Oregon State University is another user of potato germplasm curated by the NRSP-6 program;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Technical Advisory Committee expresses extreme gratitude for his accomplishments, level-headed guidance and unfailing support over the years and wishes him every happiness and many years of good health in his post-retirement years.
" Whereas Jack Hawkes has made many taxonomic and germplasm contributions to the US potato genebank; and
Whereas he has had a long association with the potato genebank starting in 1958 and continuing through nine subsequent visits with the last in 1989; and
Whereas 470 of his collections account for about 10% of the current genebank seed population holdings with many additional stocks indirectly attributable to his efforts; and
Whereas the taxonomy used to organize and document the accessions for the past 55 years is, in large part, his creation; and
Whereas he has been a key participant in the potato inter-genebank association (APIC) including its inaugural meeting at Sturgeon Bay in 1991 and a subsequent meeting at the Vavilov Institute (VIR), St. Petersburg, Russia in 1994; and
Whereas on June 27, 2005 he celebrates his 90th birthday;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Technical Advisory Committee of the US Potato Genebank (NRSP-6, formerly IR-1), on behalf of all involved in the project, hereby recognizes Jack Hawkes for these many and outstanding contributions to the project, sends him warm and heartfelt greetings for his 90th birthday celebration, and wishes him health and happiness in the years ahead.
" Whereas, Dr. Alvin Mosley and his staff hosted the 2005 meeting of the NRSP-6 in Corvallis, Oregon, June 21-22; and
Whereas, the Oregon Potato Breeding Program staff arranged the excellent meeting facilities, refreshments and accommodations; and
Whereas, the Oregon Potato Breeding Program staff arranged a tour of their research facilities, and the Committee is most appreciative of the dinner and social events arranged;
Therefore, be it resolved that the NRSP-6 TAC express sincere thanks to the staff for arranging a highly successful and productive meeting.
" Whereas, Dr. Jeannie Miller, guest of NRSP-6, took, prepared, and forwarded minutes of the 2005 NRSP-6 meeting;
Therefore, be it resolved that members of the NRSP-6 TAC express sincere appreciation to Jeannie for her dedicated efforts.
19. Executives for coming year: Secretary: C. Brown Vice-Chair: C. Miller Chair: W. De Jong
20. Venue for 2006: Ames, Iowa precise site TBA. First week of June.
21. Meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM. Small, informal participant meetings were held on Wednesday morning, 22 June.
Accomplishments:
Accomplishments A. Introduction of New Stocks Dr. Bamberg, Dr. Alfonso del Rio, and Charles Fernandez (US Potato Genebank) had a successful collecting expedition to the Chiricahua Wilderness in southeast Arizona in September of 2004 (supported with extramural funding from USDA). They collected 17 new accessions of S. fendleri (now reclassified as stoloniferum). For 50 years the only available germplasm from this area consisted of a few collections from spots easily accessible by road. New collections were from sites accessible only through camping and extensive hiking. This will be a test case of an important question about germplasm collecting: Do samples from sites easy to access adequately represent the genetics in a geographic area, or is there much more work that should be done to access more remote sites?A total of 29 accessions were assigned PI numbers in 2004: five from Peru, one from South Africa, six from Korea, and 17 from the southwest United States. These accessions are now available from the NRSP-6 Solanum germplasm collection.
Several steps were taken in the past year to promote and inform researchers of NRSP-6s services and stocks. The NRSP-6 web page (http://www.ars-grin.gov/nr6) has been updated and made more user friendly. Clientele that have ordered from NRSP-6 in the past four years are contacted three times per year, informing them of new materials that are now available either as true seed, tubers, in vitro plantlets, or herbarium samples. A new trifold pamphlet was printed for distribution to school and tour groups and is available on the web page.
B. Preservation and Increase of Stocks
In 2004, a total of 268 accessions were increased as botanical seed populations. A total of 900 potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) tests were performed on seed increase parents, seedlots and research materials. Germination tests were performed on 1,044 accessions, ploidy determinations were made on 32 accessions, and tetrazolium seed viability tests were done on 32 seedlots.
In 2003 tetrazolium testing was initiated to determine the cause of poor germination on some seedlots. For some lots, it was confirmed that poor germination was due to inviable seeds and not germination protocol. In 2004 we recalled 69 of these zero- germ seedlots from long-term storage at NSSL. So far we have gotten good seed increases on 53 of these. A project with NSSL on long-term potato seed viability in different storage systems and methods of prestorage handling was initiated in 2003, and the last of the seed for this project was shipped in 2004.
Progress was made on several international collaborative projects. We are working with CIP on a project to assess the impact of agrichemicals on pollen and seed viability of wild species. We planned a study to look at the prevalence of hidden recessives, and diversity of nematode resistance alleles in S. andigena with Russian (VIR) colleagues.
Work continued with Dr. C. Millers lab screening for antioxidants in uncolored wild potato species tubers. Previous screening among species identified ones with promising levels of tuber antioxidant capacity. Some diploid Mexican species seem to have high antioxidants in common: S. cardiophyllum, S. jamesii, and S. pinnatisectum. Continued fine screening is discovering high levels of antioxidants in species that are more crossable to tuberosum and known to have acceptably low levels of glycoalkaloids.
We explored the potenetial of using a potato-based, in vitro Agrobacterium tumefaciens system to screen for anti-tumor factors. The Potato Crop Germplasm Committee (CGC) also sponsored a funded grant proposal to screen for Potato Carboxypeptidase Inhibitor (PCI), a small, heat-stable protein, unique to potato, that has been shown to efficiently inhibit proliferation of some of the most pernicious human cancers.
Frost resistant breeding work continues with recurrent selection of S. tuberosum, S. acaule and S. commersonii hybrids. Materials are now maturing earlier with the introgression of very early varieties, and some selections have been confirmed to survive in vitro leaf freezing to 5oC. In a related study, substitution backcross families were used to show that cytoplasm is not a factor in the extreme frost hardiness of S. commersonii.
The cooperative project with NDSU for screening S. andigena populations for Sugar-end disorder did not progress as much as hoped in 2004, since winter tuberization in Weslaco, TX was poor. In 2005 we started cooperating with a grower in southern CA to assess the utility of that environment. In 2005 we are undertaking a backup plan to make F1 families of S. andigena accessions with a susceptible tester cultivar.
We discovered a new floral development mutant in S. microdontum which we have named crazy sepal because it grows multiple (indeterminate) sets of sepals instead of anthers and pistils. This is a potential tool for studying floral development, and may have other applications as a completely sterile mutant. Progeny tests indicate monogenic recessive gene action. Attempts to artificially restore fertility are in progress as well as the generation of DNA markers to tag the recessive cs1 allele.
Testing was continued in an effort to confirm and characterize apomixis in S. jamesii.
A field tuberization location in Hawaii was tested and appears to be effective. Until now, the only other way to produce tubers of wild species has been in winter greenhouse pots, and such tubers might not give a true indication of their potential value with respect to a variety of tuber traits.
Plant parts are known to vary widely for pH, but little is known about the variation, basis, or utility of pH extremes in potato tubers. When pH was measured on species of the mini-core collection, replicates over years and populations gave rather consistent results, with S. polytrichon, S. pinnatisectum and S. papita being the most acidic. Cultivated species, S. verrucosum and S. okadae, were least acidic. The observed range of pH (5.5-6.1) represents a 4-fold difference in H ion concentration. We intend to fine-screen among genotypes within species to find the limits of tuber acidity, then characterize the physiology, genetics and impact on economic traits like disease resistances and processing quality. C. Classification
Dr. Spooner et al. have published Wild Potatoes (Solanum section Petota) of North and Central America. Dr. Spooner continues to resolve problems in taxonomic classification that impede efficient documentation and use of the germplasm. At present he is working on a use-based classification of varieties, and predictive value of taxonomy.
D. Distribution
NRSP-6 distributed 4,234 units of seed (not including in-house use); 258 tuber families; 2,052 tuber clones; 1,512 in vitro stocks; 47 DNA samples; 231 plants in plugs; and 61 herbarium samples to clientele in 30 states of the USA and 12 other countries. Internally NRSP-6 used 3,819 units of seed for seed backup, chromosome counts, germination tests, identification and taxonomic check plantings, in vitro maintenance, seed increases, PSTV tests, and miscellaneous plantings. The volume and types of stocks sent to various consignee categories are summarized in the table below.
|
| Units1 |
| |||||||
| Category | S | TF | TS | IVS | DNA | PL | HER | TOT | PIs |
| Domestic | 2,007 | 258 | 1,834 | 1,199 | 38 | 231 | 61 | 5,628 | 4,195 |
| Foreign | 2,227 | 0 | 218 | 313 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2,767 | 1,953 |
| NRSP-62 | 3,819 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,819 | 1,126 |
| Total | 8,053 | 258 | 2,052 | 1,512 | 47 | 231 | 61 | 12,214 | 7,274 |
E. Visitors From Other Countries
Dr. L. Lopez Peru Dr. W. Roca Peru Dr. A. Villegas Columbia Dr. E. Sofiare Indonesia Dr. M. Herman Indonesia Dr. Kaushik India Dr. Swarup India Dr. G. P. Das Bangladesh Dr. V. Anand India
Anticipated Accomplishments
WORK PLANNED FOR 2005
Fast and accurate delivery of high quality germplasm and information will continue to be the general objective of NRSP-6. We also aim to raise awareness of the germplasm resource through an advertising/outreach program, and by conducting and publishing research that demonstrates new ways the germplasm can be useful for potato improvement.
Evaluation experiments will continue on Solanum species for these and other traits: antioxidants, tuber acidity, apomixis, crazy sepal mutant, sugar end disorder, frost hardiness, tuber calcium, hormone mutants, and anti-cancer compounds.
APIC Intergenebank projects, researching the status and dynamics of genetic diversity using DNA markers, will continue strengthening ties with sister genebanks around the world.
Impact Statements:
- NRSP-6s purpose is to provide a ready source of raw materials, technology and information to support potato enhancement, breeding and research in the USA and around the world. Thus, one way the success of NRSP-6 can be measured is by the occurrence of NRSP-6 germplasm in the pedigrees of new, improved potato cultivars. Another is in the use of NRSP-6 stocks in more basic research programs, which is reflected in publications that provide information that ultimately contributes to better exploi
- Four cultivar releases were published in the American Journal of Potato Research in 2004: Pacific Russet, Red Pearl, Alta Russet, and Monticello. Four verticillium wilt resistant germplasm releases were published in AJPR. All of these are known to have wild species in their pedigrees.
- Section 6 lists 86 papers, 25 abstracts, and 3 theses which report the use of NRSP-6 Solanum introductions this year.