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Antisense Expression of Polyphenol Oxidase Genes Inhibits Enzymatic Browning in Potato Tubers

Bio/Technology volume 12, pages 1101–1105 (1994)Cite this article

Abstract

Spoilage caused by post–harvest enzymatic browning is a problem of considerable importance to food growers, processors and retailers. Here we show that antisense inhibition of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) gene expression abolishes discoloration after bruising of potato tubers in individual transgenic lines grown under field conditions. Using appropriate promoters to express antisense PPO RNA, melanin formation can be specifically inhibited in the potato tuber. This lack of bruising sensitivity in transgenic potatoes, and the absence of any apparent detrimental side effects open the possibility of preventing enzymatic browning in a wide variety of food crops without resorting to treatments such as heating or the application of antioxidants.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Christian W. B. Bachem

    Present address: Department of Plant Breeding, University of Wageningen, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ, Wageningen, The Netherlands

  2. Piet C. G. van der Linde

    Present address: Stichting Bedrijfslaboratorium voor Weefselkweek, P.O. Box 52, 2371 AB, Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands

  3. Marc Zabeau: Corresponding author.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Keygene N.V., Agro Business Park 90, P.O. Box 216, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Christian W. B. Bachem, Gert-Jan Speckmann & Marc Zabeau

  2. RZ Research B.V., P.O. Box 2, 9123 ZR, Metslawier, The Netherlands

    Piet C. G. van der Linde & Frank T. M. Verheggen

  3. Cornell University, 252 Emerson Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853-2703, USA

    Michelle D. Hunt & John C. Steffens

Authors
  1. Christian W. B. Bachem
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  4. Frank T. M. Verheggen
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  5. Michelle D. Hunt
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  6. John C. Steffens
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  7. Marc Zabeau
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Bachem, C., Speckmann, GJ., van der Linde, P. et al. Antisense Expression of Polyphenol Oxidase Genes Inhibits Enzymatic Browning in Potato Tubers. Nat Biotechnol 12, 1101–1105 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1194-1101

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1194-1101

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