Breeding of Genetically Engineered Indonesian Potato, Bio Granola, Resistant to Late Blight Pathogen Phytophthora infestans

As a staple food in many regions in the world, potatoes are the world’s fourth most consumed food. In Indonesia, potatoes contribute significantly to horticultural production. One major constraint known not only in Indonesia but also globally is the late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans. Several attempts have been developed in order to solve the problem, one being generation of genetically engineered potato resistant to the pathogen. This was performed by overexpressing RB gene, a resistance gene isolated from potato wild species Solanum bulbocastanum, in local cultivar Granola. All hybrid clones tested showed resistance to P. infestans until 45–50 days after planting without fungicide spraying. This review provides detailed information on the molecular studies of genes involved in the pathogen infection, production of genetically engineered parental variety, breeding of local variety with the resistant parent, and biosafety studies until its release under the variety name of Bio Granola. Future research and development of durable resistant potatoes were also pointed out. The introduction of genetically engineered potato Bio Granola offers hope for the global food security of one significant crop with additional advantage of reduced use of fungicides.