Analysis of natural variation of the potato tuber proteome reveals novel candidate genes for tuber bruising.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) presents a challenging organism for the genetic and molecular dissection of complex traits due to its tetraploidy and high heterozygosity. One such complex trait of high agronomic interest is the tuber susceptibility to bruising upon mechanical impact, which involves an enzymatic browning reaction. We have compared the tuber proteome of two groups of 10 potato cultivars differing in bruising susceptibility to (i) identify de novo proteins that contribute to bruising, based on differential protein expression, and (ii) validate these proteins by combining proteomics with association genetics.

Association genetics in Solanum tuberosum provides new insights into potato tuber bruising and enzymatic tissue discoloration.

Background: Most agronomic plant traits result from complex molecular networks involving multiple genes and from environmental factors. One such trait is the enzymatic discoloration of fruit and tuber tissues initiated by mechanical impact (bruising). Tuber susceptibility to bruising is a complex trait of the cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) that is crucial for crop quality.