Argentina: Scientists from INTA and Conicet develop potatoes with double resistance to viruses

Argentine researchers have achieved a significant advance in the field of agricultural biotechnology. A team from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) has developed new commercial lines of the Kennebec potato cultivar with dual genetic resistance to two of the most damaging viruses for this crop: potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV).

These pathogens, primarily transmitted by aphids, pose a serious threat to potato production, both in Argentina and globally. PVY can cause total yield losses of up to 49% and a 65% decrease in marketable volume. PLRV, on the other hand, can reduce yield by up to 60% and affect 88% of tubers intended for sale when infection occurs in the seed. The combined effect of both viruses can generate losses reaching 80% of production, severely compromising the quality and profitability of the crop.

The development of these transgenic varieties was carried out by the Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Molecular Biology (IABIMO), a joint entity of INTA and CONICET, which employed advanced genetic engineering tools. In the case of PVY, the capsid protein of a heterologous virus (related to lettuce mosaic virus) was used, while for PLRV, a gene silencing mechanism designed with a specific viral sequence was applied. These innovative strategies made it possible to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding, especially in the face of the tetraploid genetic complexity characteristic of potatoes.

The new lines underwent rigorous evaluation over several seasons under controlled greenhouse conditions and in field experiments. These tests included grafting, comprehensive molecular analyses, and phenotypic studies. The results confirmed robust and long-lasting resistance to both viruses. Furthermore, the plants retained the key agronomic characteristics of the Kennebec cultivar, such as yield, size, shape, and tuber quality.

Researcher Cecilia Vázquez Rovere, a member of IABIMO, emphasized that viral diseases pose a serious threat to potato production due to their negative impact on both yield and the quality of the final product. She highlighted that the results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of achieving dual resistance without compromising the crop’s original agronomic attributes. Similarly, Natalia Almasia underscored that these innovative strategies provide an effective and sustainable solution for controlling these viral diseases.

This achievement represents a step towards more efficient and sustainable potato production. The reduction in the use of chemical pest control products, as well as the elimination of planting with infected seeds, significantly contributes to improving crop health. This strengthens the competitiveness of local producers in a context where potatoes are one of the most important staple foods in Argentina. Having more resistant crops not only protects the country’s food security but also mitigates considerable economic losses.

The development complies with the regulations established by the National Commission for Agricultural Biotechnology (CONABIA) and represents a starting point for future evaluations with a view to its commercial release. Currently, researchers are focused on consolidating these new genetic lines and evaluating their performance in different producing regions of the country.

Thanks to advances like this, Argentine science reinforces its position as a leader in agricultural innovation, presenting practical and effective solutions to the challenges that directly affect the productivity and profitability of essential crops.