Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (1): 170-183.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-1026

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Starch Characterization and Related Gene Expression Analysis of Potato Germplasm Resources

CHEN Jing-huan(), FANG Guo-nan, ZHU Wen-hao, YE Guang-ji, SU Wang, HE Miao-miao, YANG Sheng-long(), ZHOU Yun()   

  1. Qinghai University/Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Biotechnology, Ministry of Education/Northwest Potato Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education/Qinghai Key Laboratory of Potato Breeding, Xining 810016
  • Received:2025-09-26 Online:2026-01-26 Published:2026-02-04
  • Contact: YANG Sheng-long, ZHOU Yun E-mail:18393899265@163.com;ysl890224@163.com;zhouyun75@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To clarify the starch characteristics and differential gene expressions of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) germplasm resources provides superior genetic resources for variety improvement and breeding, laying a research foundation for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of starch synthesis. Method Using 100 potato germplasm resources as materials, a comprehensive evaluation of starch content, amylose content, amylopectin content, amylopectin/amylose ratio, reducing sugars content and yield per plant was conducted through correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. Result Correlation analysis indicated that amylose content was extremely negatively correlated with the amylopectin/amylose ratio and amylopectin content, while reducing sugars, starch content and yield per plant were significantly positively correlated. Principal component analysis identified three principal components: amylopectin content (ratio of amylopectin/amylose), reducing sugar content and starch content, with a cumulative contribution rate of 87.84%. Cluster analysis divided potato germplasm resources into three categories: Cluster I consisted of 32 samples, mainly characterized by late maturity and high starch content. Cluster II consisted of 40 samples, mainly characterized by early maturity and medium starch content. Cluster III consisted of 28 samples, mainly characterized by early maturity and low starch content. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying starch content differences among potato varieties, the expressions of eight structural genes involved in the starch synthesis pathway (Susy4, AGPase, PTST1, etc.) were analyzed in high-starch varieties (Qingshu 2, Atlantic, 393034.7 and Shenyanwo) and low-starch varieties (FBA-1, Beishu 1, 2017ch-1 and 720018). The results showed that Susy4 and PTST1 expressions play a key role in determining starch content. Conclusion This study characterized the starch traits of 100 potato germplasm accessions and classified them into three groups, four high-starch potato varieties were selected (Qingshu 2, Atlantic, 393034.7 and Shenyanwo), confirming that the Susy4 and PTST1 genes are key regulators of starch content. These findings provide theoretical and material support for potato variety breeding and elucidating starch synthesis mechanisms.

Key words: potato, germplasm resources, starch characterization, gene expression analysis, yield