Potato breeder Dave Douches, professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and
Microbial Sciences and Director of the Michigan State University (MSU)
Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, has developed a genetically engineered
potato that can be stored in cool temperatures for long periods and produce
healthier and higher-quality potato chips.



Kal91.3 was genetically engineered to silence a gene that produces an enzyme
used to convert sucrose into reducing sugars such as fructose and glucose.
It can be stored in cooler temperatures for long periods to avoid rots and
moisture loss, leading to healthier and higher-quality products, including
potato chips. Kal91.3 can also reduce the environmental impact of growing
potatoes without as many fertilizers and pesticides needed to maintain the
potato during storage.



Kal91.3 has been granted exemption from the biotechnology regulations placed
on genetically modified products by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). USDA APHIS
concluded that Kal91.3 was proven not to pose an increased plant pest risk
relative to its conventionally bred counterpart.



[www.canr.msu.edu]
gineered-potato