Application of Association Mapping and Genomic Sequencing to Starch and Glycemic Index in Potato

The project concerns the potential for improving the health-enhacing qualities of potatoes through breeding strategies. Potato starch may vary in the proportion that is rapidly digestible within the small intestine, thus influencing the glycemic index. Furthermore a variable fraction of the starch may be entirely resistant to small intestinal amylases, resulting in it being fermented by bacteria in the large intestine. This project will look at variation in these starch components between lines of potato available at the James Hutton Institute and the potential for genetic improvement in nutritonal quality, with potentially important long-term benefits for UK producers and consumers.

This PhD studentship is the result of an award from the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board and is available from 1 October 2013 for 36 months. The project is held jointly between the James Hutton Institute (Dundee) and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition & Health (University of Aberdeen) and the student will be registed with the University of Aberdeen.