Advances in potato functional genomics: implications for crop improvement

Potato is one of the most important crops grown worldwide. The potato genome sequencing consortium has identified large numbers of genes having unknown functionality. To systematically assign functions to all predicted genes in its genome and their specific applications in potato improvement, different techniques have been developed over the years to generate mutants and analyze phenotypic variations among existing varieties. The generation of mutants could result in elucidating the function of genes and help in developing superior crop cultivars, thereby improving potato quality for future feed. In this review article, we have summarized various loss of function and gain of function genetic tools, which could be used for modifying or designing new strategies for the molecular engineering of potatoes. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of these tools suitable for mining genomic data have been discussed. This comprehensive summary could lay the foundation for the genetic improvement of potatoes towards food and nutritional security. Key message Functional genomics provides a better understanding of deciphering new experimental opportunities for developing nutritionally rich potato varieties in combating hidden hunger and developing new breeding programs for its improvement.