Researchers try to produce potato resistant to climate change
Project part of efforts around the world to lessen harm to crops
BANGOR, Maine — University of Maine researchers are trying to produce potatoes that can better withstand rising temperatures as the climate changes.
Rising temperatures and an extended growing season can lead to quality problems and disease, Gregory Porter, a professor of crop ecology and management, told the Bangor Daily News.
“The predictions for climate change are heavier rainfall events, and potatoes don’t tolerate flooding or wet conditions for long without having other quality problems,” Porter said. “If we want potatoes to be continued to be produced successfully in Maine, we need to be able to produce varieties that can be resistant to change.”
Around the world, research aimed at mitigating crop damage is underway. A NASA study published this month suggests climate change may affect the production of corn and wheat, reducing yields of both, as soon as 2030.
Maine had a banner potato crop this year, thanks partly to the success of the Caribou russet, which was developed by University of Maine researchers. But Porter fears that even that variety isn’t as heat-tolerant as necessary to resist the future effects of climate change.
Pests are another factor. The Colorado potato beetle and disease-spreading aphids have f lourished with the changing climate, said Jim Dill, pest management specialist at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Breeding seemingly small changes such as hairier leaves that make it difficult for insects to move around on the plant can cut down on pests’ destruction and reduce the need for pesticides, he said.
Breeding such characteristics into potatoes is a long process of cross-pollinating different potato varieties.
The process is well underway.
They new variety is in a research testing phase at sites throughout the United States. Crops in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida are testing high-temperature stress.
“It takes 10 years of selection after that initial cross pollination, and it might take two to five years before enough commercial evaluation has taken place to release a new potato variety,” Porter said.