This progress was achieved within the framework of the project “Gene Editing for Improvement in Plant and Animal Species” (ATN-RF 18757 RG), financed by FONTAGRO, PROCISUR, and private contributors. The result represents a significant step toward the application of gene-editing technologies to address challenges related to productivity, food quality, and agro-industrial competitiveness in Latin America.

The work was carried out on the Diacol Capiro variety (Solanum tuberosum Andigenum Group), one of the most widely used varieties by Colombia’s processing industry. In addition to constituting the first gene editing of potato achieved in the country, this result corresponds to the first global report of gene editing in materials belonging to the Andigenum Group, a set of varieties adapted to the agroecological conditions of the Andean region.

The research focused on editing the vacuolar invertase gene (InvVac), located on chromosome 3, due to its role in the accumulation of reducing sugars during low-temperature storage of tubers. Excessive accumulation of these sugars deteriorates frying quality, as it causes darkening of processed products and promotes the formation of acrylamide during cooking at high temperatures. Therefore, reducing the activity of this enzyme constitutes a strategy of great interest for improving the industrial quality of potato.

Through high-resolution analysis (HRFA, High Resolution Fragment Analysis), the researchers identified two lines showing evidence of editing in the four alleles of the target gene, which could allow its function to be inactivated. These materials are currently undergoing validation through sequencing to confirm the modifications obtained and will subsequently be evaluated to determine their impact on the crop’s industrial quality.

This achievement opens new opportunities for potato genetic improvement in Colombia and throughout the Andean region. Beyond the experimental result, it demonstrates the capacity of national scientific teams to develop and apply frontier technologies aimed at solving concrete problems in agricultural production. It also reflects the consolidation of scientific and technological capacities in gene editing, which will make it possible to extend these tools to new crops and productive challenges in the future.