The Rise of Ry Markers in Potato Breeding Programs

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM CDT

Location: Ballroom AB

Presenting Author(s)

JW

Jonathan Whitworth

Research Plant Pathologist
USDA ARS, Aberdeen ID
Aberdeen, Idaho

Author(s)

NA

Noelle Anglin

USDA-ARS
Aberdeen, Idaho
DD

David S. Douches

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
VS

Vidyasagar Sathuavlli

Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
AT

Asunta L. Thompson

Associate Professor
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
CG

Caroline P. Gray

Research Associate
Colorado State University-SLVRC
Center, Colorado
WD

Walter De Jong

Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
MH

Mario Henrique Murad Leite Andrade

Assistant Professor
University of Maine
Orono, Maine
IV

Isabel Vales

Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
JO

John Onditi

Postdoc Scientist
USDA ARS, Aberdeen ID
Aberdeen, Idaho

The incorporation of molecular markers for potato virus Y (PVY) resistance is an important tool for breeding programs which can help fast track identification of virus resistance in germplasm and can reduce labor costs of field screenings. Industry acceptance of PVY susceptible, latent expression potato varieties has hampered certification efforts and degraded the ability of seed growers to ‘rogue out’ diseased plants to reduce inoculum. While the number of molecular markers in potato for incorporation of disease resistance (and other quality traits) remains small, Ry markers are the most consistently used and their presence indicates a single, dominant gene for PVY resistance. These markers identify extreme resistance, providing resistance to many PVY strains, including PVY^O, PVY^N:O, PVY^NTN, and PVY^N-Wi. Varieties in most market classes now exist that have Ry markers for Ry_sto, Ry_adg, and Ry_chc resistant genes, providing needed resistance for the potato industry. Information presented shows efforts across breeding programs and lists varieties with extreme resistance to PVY.