Potato chromosome four to be mapped by SCRI

The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), near Dundee, hopes to map chromosome four of the root vegetable.

The scientists would then know where genes responsible for colour, shape, and disease resistance are positioned.

The new research is part of a number of projects looking at how to produce improved varieties of potato, barley and wheat.

The SCRI scientists are sharing in £15m of funding for the research.

One five-year European Union project will study ways of reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilisers needed on crops, therefore minimising its negative impact on the environment.