Scientists at the University of Idaho and the US Department of Agriculture have received a federal grant so that they can research and develop potatoes that are better at resisting viruses.


The University of Idaho’s Research and Extension Center received US$270,000 for molecular biology research of potatoes and $150,000 for potato breeding research. A further $1.6m is to fund research into genetic potato variety in Idaho and Washington, reported the Associated Press.


Scientists at the Research and Extension Center are investigating the use of genetic research in developing a potato that is better at resisting diseases.