Access to the potato genome sequence provides multiple benefits and potential advances. It gives scientists access to information that can help improve potato yields, quality, nutritional value, and disease resistance. It also holds the promise of shortening the time it takes (currently 10-12 years) to breed new varieties of potatoes to respond more quickly to changing needs or conditions.
Releasing the draft sequence to the public allows for exponential gains in its development and utility, as more scientists and researchers access, use, and help refine the sequence.
This first draft genome assembly is now available in the public domain at www.potatogenome.net