title: Toxic secondary metabolite production in genetically modified potatoes in response to stress.
abstract: Potatoes produce a number of toxic secondary metabolites, which are divided into two groups: the sesquiterpenes and the glycoalkaloids (PGAs): whereas PGAs are largely preformed and present in toxic quantities in both the foliage and "green" potatoes, it is well documented that the levels of PGAs and sesquiterpenes are effected by many biotic an abiotic stresses. The development of genetically modified potato varieties has made it prudent to ascertain whether there may be changes in the amounts or types of these secondary metabolites either as a direct effect of the transgene or due to its interactions with environmental variables. Transgenic potato lines were exposed, along with nontransgenic lines, to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses and a range of environmental conditions in the field and store. Following stressing, a comparison was made of levels of potato glycoalkaloid and sesquiterpene levels between the two groups. Significant differences were observed in the levels of both glycoalkaloid and sesquiterpene levels between transgenic and control material and between infected and noninfected material.
authors.affiliation: NIAB, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0LE, United Kingdom. derek.matthews@niab.com
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: Huw
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gans
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coates
authors.forename: Lydia M J
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D016373:DNA, Antisense / Q000235:genetics; D010935:Plant Diseases; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis; D035281:Plant Tubers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000378:metabolism*; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013729:Terpenes; D043324:beta-Fructofuranosidase / Q000235:genetics; D000094162:Phytoalexins
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D016373:DNA, Antisense; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D013729:Terpenes; D043324:beta-Fructofuranosidase; D000094162:Phytoalexins