Researchers have a range of genetic engineering methods they can use to get potatoes to accumulate certain substances, or to introduce new components that have health benefits. Such potatoes are still a long way from being introduced onto the market, but they are used as model plants for biosafety research.
At the beginning of March 2010, the genetically modified potato "Amflora" was approved for cultivation in the European Union. The starch composition in this potato has been modified so that it is better suited for certain industrial processes.p>
Some genetic approaches aim to combat key enemies of the potato, such as the fungus Phytophthora, which causes potato late blight. Deliberate release trials are currently being planned in several European countries, focusing in particular on fungus resistance. The idea is that two genes from a wild potato variety will make the potato resistant to Phytophthora.
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