Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1281953
16 POTATO GROWER | SEPTEMBER 2020 to a rigorous virus testing program, have extensive associated information in an online database, and can be ordered free of charge. HOW AND WHERE IS THE MOST GENETIC DIVERSITY TO BE HAD, AND HOW DO WE AVOID LOSING IT ONCE WE GET IT INTO THE GENEBANK? We are answering such questions with DNA markers. We also study how to keep improving our techniques for producing plenty of seeds and storing them in a way that maintains high viability and avoids contamination with viruses. The germplasm is not much good if genebank staff doesn't also discover and provide information on how to grow and crossbreed with it. The staff must keep accurate, detailed and organized records on everything known about the history and qualities of the stock. The genebank collection is just a sample of what is in the wild. We need to know if it is a good one. We screen for new traits. We want to dabble in research in as many uses of germplasm as possible, so we will have a bit of experience from which to help customers from all disciplines. Since it is not practical to attempt to research all traits wholly in-house, we do joint research projects with many different specialists around the world. While we don't usually interact directly with growers or processors, we are keen to keep abreast of their needs. We also collaborate closely with our counterparts in Latin America, particularly in Peru. WHAT HAS BEEN THE PRACTICAL IMPACT OF THE USPG? The USPG is not just a potato museum or a place to get weird potatoes for theoretical research projects. At least 70 percent of named U.S. cultivars have our exotic germplasm in their pedigrees. Of the past eight cultivar releases from the Wisconsin breeding program, six have USPG wild species germplasm as parents. We now distribute about 10,000 samples each year, an increase of more than 25 percent over the previous five-year project term. Our biggest customers are consistently our own Wisconsin scientists. WHY IS GENE DIVERSITY SO IMPORTANT? The sports model illustrates why genetic diversity kept in a genebank is A primitive potato species is cultivated in Peru. Germination testing in a USPG greenhouse A Criolla (egg yolk) specialty potato is type- selected for eating quality.