UC Riverside Scientists Make Breakthrough in Potato Sustainability: Reducing Food Waste and Benefiting Space Exploration

A team of scientists led by the University of California, Riverside, has achieved a significant milestone in potato cultivation with a revolutionary finding that could reduce food waste and even benefit astronauts. Their research, published in the prestigious journal Science, focuses on steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), a naturally occurring chemical defense mechanism in potatoes against pests.

Unlocking Potato Potentials: The Role of Steroidal Glycoalkaloids

SGAs are produced by potatoes primarily in sprouting areas and green parts of the peel, making certain sections inedible. According to study leader Adam Jozwiak, these compounds are essential for plants to fend off insects but render significant portions of the crop unsafe for consumption. Sunlight exposure can exacerbate the issue, causing SGAs to be produced even after harvest, potentially wasteful for consumers.

Redirection of Harmful Chemicals: The GAME15 Protein

The breakthrough lies in a protein named GAME15, which the researchers have identified as a key player in the production and distribution of SGAs. By manipulating this protein, they discovered a way to redirect SGAs to less problematic areas, such as potato leaves. This innovation means that stored potatoes can remain edible regardless of sun exposure, extending their shelf life and reducing waste.

“You could store the potatoes in your kitchen and not worry about exposure to sun, which makes them produce more SGAs,” declared Jozwiak. “And then you could eat them whenever you want, reducing food waste.”

Implications for Space Farming

Beyond Earth’s borders, this discovery could revolutionize space agriculture. In confined spaces like spacecraft, every part of a plant must be edible. Jozwiak noted, “For space farming, where every part of a plant may need to be edible, these findings are especially promising.” This adaptability of potato genetics could significantly enhance the sustainability of space missions by ensuring food safety and availability.

Discovering the Plant’s Self-Borrowing Mechanism

One of the surprising aspects of the research is the plant’s ability to “borrow from itself” to create the GAME15 protein. This internal resourcefulness opens up possibilities for redesigning crops to better meet modern demands. “Understanding these systems allows us to redesign crops to meet modern needs without compromising their ability to thrive,” Jozwiak concluded.

Responding to Climate Challenges

Potato farmers worldwide have faced numerous challenges from climate change, affecting crop yields and food security. Efforts to strengthen potato resilience include increased resistance to heat, nitrogen absorption, and reduced fertilizer use, among others. The UC Riverside-led research adds a significant tool to mitigate these challenges by maximizing the usability of harvested potatoes.

Future Outlook: Shaping Sustainable Agriculture

The prospects of extending the shelf life of crops and reducing food waste are promising. “It’s exciting to think about how we can now significantly extend the shelf life of crops like potatoes and reduce food waste on Earth and beyond,” Jozwiak emphasized. As climate conditions become more unpredictable, such technological advancements are crucial for supporting sustainable agriculture.

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