Investigating genotype by environment and QTL by environment interactions for developmental traits in potato

Wageningen UR Plant Breeding has carried out studies on different developmental processes of potato making use of a segregating population evaluated in the field under different environmental conditions and day length regimens. The field trials have included the evaluation of below and above ground traits during different stages of the growing season. Extensive molecular data is available on this experimental potato population as well. Thus, this population provided an excellent opportunity for genetic studies based on information previously generated in research projects making use of statistical methods and models to integrate the different data sets and developmental stages.

We have been able to get insights about the correlation between above and below ground traits over different environments, to identify stable QTLs under different multi-location and multi-year field trials, as well as QTLxE interactions. Valuable information have been generated regarding stability of developmental traits and common genetic factors influencing them. In this sense our study brings new insights related with potato development and adaptation to different environmental conditions.