Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Aberdeen, Idaho » Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #296293

Title: Improving phosphorus use efficiency in the future

Author
item THORNTON, MICHAEL - University Of Idaho
item Novy, Richard - Rich
item STARK, JEFFREY - University Of Idaho

Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/17/2014
Publication Date: 4/1/2014
Citation: Thornton, M.K., Novy, R.G., Stark, J.C. 2014. Improving phosphorus use efficiency in the future. American Journal of Potato Research. 91:175-179.

Interpretive Summary: Phosphorus is a primary nutrient of potato and other crops. Improved efficiency of use of phosphorus by potato is desirable. A review of current knowledge and the future outlook for the genetic enhancement of potato for improved phosphorus uptake and utilization is discussed.

Technical Abstract: World demand for phosphorus (P) fertilizer and increasing environmental regulations concerning water quality will continue to motivate the search for ways to improve P use efficiency in potato production. While much effort has gone into understanding P availability and uptake from soil, relatively little is known about the possibility of increasing uptake efficiency through genetic improvement or improved root health. Potato exhibits considerable genetic variation in uptake efficiency of nutrients like nitrogen, and it is likely that genetic variation also exists in P use efficiency. Increased efficiency may be due to differences in tuber yield per unit of available P (utilization efficiency), or in rate of P absorption from the soil (uptake efficiency). Likewise, genetic improvements in resistance to root-decaying pathogens, such as Verticillium dahliae, and improved control practices are likely to help maintain a healthy root mass to aid in maintaining P uptake during periods of higher P demand during the growing season.