Scientists in Peru develop a disaster-resistant potato named “Matilde”

The disease known as “late blight” has been a longstanding enemy of humans, catalyzing the devastating Irish potato famine in 1845. This affliction is caused by a fungus-like pathogen that quickly kills the potato plant, rendering the crop inedible. In recent years, late blight has been increasingly affecting the higher regions of the Peruvian Andes due to warmer, wetter weather conditions, facilitating the spread of the pathogen. Scientists at the International Potato Center (CIP), based in Peru, have been working diligently to develop potato varieties that can withstand late blight. They have been exploring wild relatives of the potato crop to identify resistance to the disease and have successfully created a new variety called CIP-Matilde, which is resistant to late blight without the need for fungicides.

The research carried out by CIP in collaboration with the Crop Trust focuses on developing crop varieties that are not only resistant to diseases but can also withstand stressors like drought and salinity. By crossing wild and cultivated plants, scientists have been able to create crop varieties with enhanced resilience to environmental challenges. The Crop Trust’s Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods, and Development (Bold) project involves various partners, including community seed banks and national breeding programs, to promote crop diversity and resilience. The project engages farmers in the selection process of preferred crop traits through participatory approaches, allowing for a more inclusive decision-making process that considers various farmer preferences and needs.

While traditional breeding methods have been essential in developing resilient crop varieties, newer technologies like gene editing offer a more precise and accelerated approach to enhancing crop resilience. The Institute for Genomic Innovation (IGI) is at the forefront of utilizing gene editing tools like Crispr-Cas9 to develop crop varieties that are resistant to diseases and drought. Projects focusing on enhancing crop resilience to climate change effects are vital to ensuring food security in the face of uncertain environmental conditions. Companies like Inari are pushing the boundaries of gene editing technology, aiming to improve crop performance and resilience through multigene editing and AI-assisted design.

As climate change continues to influence agricultural practices, prioritizing crop diversity and resilience becomes crucial. Ensuring that farmers have access to affordable and resilient crop varieties is essential for sustainable food production. However, challenges related to seed ownership and affordability must be addressed to empower farmers and promote a diverse and resilient food system. By valuing crop diversity and investing in resilient crop varieties, we can better navigate the challenges posed by climate change and ensure food security for future generations.