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Scots scientists are seeking help from Bill Gates, the Microsoft
billionaire, to launch a yellow potato for the Third World. They have
developed two varieties that contain their own carotenoids, substances
believed to protect against cancer, heart disease and deterioration of
eyesight in the old. The pigments from carotenoids are what give fruit and
vegetables, such as carrots, citrus fruits, peppers and tomatoes, their
eye-catching red, orange and yellow hues, November 2004 bBy Alan MacDermid.

Now researchers at the Scottish Crop Research Institute at Invergowrie,
near Dundee, have developed transgenic versions of two potato varieties,
Desiree and Mayan Gold, which boast beta-carotene at up to six times the
natural level.

This is even higher than the levels found in a type of rice which is also
being developed to aid nutrient deficiencies in the Third World.

Potatoes are eaten daily by millions worldwide, yet the vast majority of
varieties have zero or very low levels of carotenoids, hence the white or
very pale yellow coloration. A report in the Journal of Experimental Botany
describes how scientists at the SCRI used genetic material from a Japanese
brewery in the project.

They now hope to transfer improvements in the nutritional fortification of
the potato to developing countries if a multi-million-dollar bid to the Bill
and Melinda Gates Global Challenge in Human Health Programme is successful.

GM potatoes have had a controversial history in Scotland, but Dr Mark
Taylor, the project research leader, said: "This development is a
breakthrough and shows the potential we have to use biotechnology to improve
levels of important nutrients in a staple part of our diet."

SCOTS scientists are seeking help from Bill Gates, the Microsoft
billionaire, to launch a yellow potato for the Third World.

They have developed two varieties that contain their own carotenoids,
substances believed to protect against cancer, heart disease and
deterioration of eyesight in the old. The pigments from carotenoids are what
give fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, citrus fruits, peppers and
tomatoes, their eye-catching red, orange and yellow hues. Now researchers at
the Scottish Crop Research Institute at Invergowrie, near Dundee, have
developed transgenic versions of two potato varieties, Desiree and Mayan
Gold, which boast beta-carotene at up to six times the natural level.

This is even higher than the levels found in a type of rice which is also
being developed to aid nutrient deficiencies in the Third World.

Potatoes are eaten daily by millions worldwide, yet the vast majority of
varieties have zero or very low levels of carotenoids, hence the white or
very pale yellow coloration. A report in the Journal of Experimental Botany
describes how scientists at the SCRI used genetic material from a Japanese
brewery in the project.

They now hope to transfer improvements in the nutritional fortification of
the potato to developing countries if a multi-million-dollar bid to the Bill
and Melinda Gates Global Challenge in Human Health Programme is successful.

GM potatoes have had a controversial history in Scotland, but Dr Mark
Taylor, the project research leader, said: "This development is a
breakthrough and shows the potential we have to use biotechnology to improve
levels of important nutrients in a staple part of our diet."

SCOTS scientists are seeking help from Bill Gates, the Microsoft
billionaire, to launch a yellow potato for the Third World.

They have developed two varieties that contain their own carotenoids,
substances believed to protect against cancer, heart disease and
deterioration of eyesight in the old. The pigments from carotenoids are what
give fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, citrus fruits, peppers and
tomatoes, their eye-catching red, orange and yellow hues. Now researchers at
the Scottish Crop Research Institute at Invergowrie, near Dundee, have
developed transgenic versions of two potato varieties, Desiree and Mayan
Gold, which boast beta-carotene at up to six times the natural level.

This is even higher than the levels found in a type of rice which is also
being developed to aid nutrient deficiencies in the Third World.

Potatoes are eaten daily by millions worldwide, yet the vast majority of
varieties have zero or very low levels of carotenoids, hence the white or
very pale yellow coloration. A report in the Journal of Experimental Botany
describes how scientists at the SCRI used genetic material from a Japanese
brewery in the project.

They now hope to transfer improvements in the nutritional fortification of
the potato to developing countries if a multi-million-dollar bid to the Bill
and Melinda Gates Global Challenge in Human Health Programme is successful.

GM potatoes have had a controversial history in Scotland, but Dr Mark
Taylor, the project research leader, said: "This development is a
breakthrough and shows the potential we have to use biotechnology to improve
levels of important nutrients in a staple part of our diet."

[www.theherald.co.uk]

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