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WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 45 breeding, skepticism exists surrounding diploid potatoes. Growers have ex- pressed fear of introducing diploids to their fields and harvesting tubers that look, feel, and process strangely. Howev- er, the team has conducted experiments with seasoned potato growers. The growers were given multiple tubers and asked to determine which tuber was the diploid variety. To the participants' surprise, most were unable to identify the diploid. In addition to disrupting misconceptions about the appearance of diploids, the team is also interested in providing education on the consistency of growing and harvesting between tetraploids and diploids – such as not needing additional or alternative harvest equipment. Challenging misconceptions is always difficult, but this does not deter the team from making diploids a reality. To learn more about diploids, scan the QR code to learn more about the project and the team. mosomes leads to slow and meticulous breeding practices. To simplify the breeding process, a team of researchers has been studying the genetic process- es of moving from tetraploids (four chromosomes) to diploids (two chromo- somes) and isare making significant progress. In the first four years, the team geared up for and executed a trial with dip- loid potatoes to measure, evaluate, and optimize the process. In the fifth and final year of the project, the team will continue to develop a breeding system that is responsive to grower and market needs while putting effort into market traits to compete with traditional tetra- ploid lines. Diploid potatoes are not a novel con- cept. China and Europe have engaged in their own diploidpotato experiments. With environmental changes, it's univer- sally understood that optimizing control in the breeding process must happen. Growers will experience addition- al benefits from genetically simplified potatoes such as diseaseresistance and other quality traits. Moving from four to two chromosomes increases the proba- bility of desired varieties and ultimately improves profitability for growers and processors. For example, genes have been identified that contribute strong, multi-strain resistance to late blight. Breeding for these genes could result in greater potential for durable late blight resistance. While there are many reasons to be excited about the evolution of potato Often Copied... Never Duplicated Proven since 1973 • potato storages • feed barns • shops • hangars • commercial buildings Specializing in: RJ Andrus Director of Ag Sales (208)356-7979 (208)681-9988 Authorized Dealer For 4109-1TetonWestConstruction12v.indd 1 4109-1TetonWestConstruction12v.indd 1 12/19/22 2:12 PM 12/19/22 2:12 PM