Molecular Pathogens, 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 36-44 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 38 non-toxic genes, scientists can discover Rgenes associated with disease resistance more quickly (Vleeshouwers et al., 2008). This method has helped scientists successfully clone key genes, such as Rpi-blb1, which is particularly useful for controlling late blight (Vleeshouwers et al., 2008). In addition, transcriptome analysis can also help. The researchers compared the gene expressions of disease-resistant varieties and susceptible varieties and found several genes with great expression differences. These may be the “candidate genes” for disease resistance (De La Cruz et al., 2023). These research results are very helpful in raising more disease-resistant potato varieties and are also of great significance for the prevention and treatment of various diseases (Vleeshouwers et al., 2008; De La Cruz et al., 2023). 4 Molecular Breeding Techniques in Disease-Resistant Potatoes 4.1 Marker-assisted selection (MAS) Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a practical technique to help breed more disease-resistant potatoes. Its core approach is to use molecular markers to quickly find plants with disease-resistant traits. This technology has been successfully applied to “superve” multiple resistance genes or quantitative trait sites (QTLs) into a potato variety. By this approach, resistance to severe diseases such as late blight can be significantly improved (Carrasco et al., 2009; Beketova et al., 2021; Berindean et al., 2024). For example, scientists use MAS to screen out some potato materials that can resist potato Y virus (PVY) and some nematodes at the same time (Gebhardt et al., 2006; Ortega and Lopez-Vizcon, 2012). MAS not only makes breeding faster, but also combines multiple resistance traits to make the disease resistance of new varieties more stable and longer (Solomon-Blackburn and Barker, 2001; Tiwari et al., 2013). 4.2 Genomic selection (GS) Genome selection (GS) is a relatively new approach. It does not look at only a few specific gene markers like MAS, but takes the entire genome into account. This approach is particularly useful when disease-resistant traits are controlled by many small effector genes. By contrast, MAS may miss some faint but important genes, and GS can take these into account more comprehensively (Collins et al., 2018). Although GS is still improving, it has shown great potential. In the future, it is possible to help us screen out disease-resistant potato varieties more accurately and efficiently than traditional methods (Berindean et al., 2024). 4.3 CRISPR-based gene editing CRISPR is an advanced gene editing tool that has been used to improve potato disease resistance. It can accurately modify genes related to diseases, such as turning off or modifying "susceptible genes" that are prone to illness. A study used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit a gene called StSR4. This gene would have made potatoes more susceptible to late blight. After modification, the potato's disease resistance has become significantly stronger (Figure 1) (Moon et al., 2022). What's even better is that CRISPR technology does not require external DNA. It only modifies the potato’s own genes, so it does not destroy the original genetic background (Ahmad et al., 2022). This approach makes breeding faster and reduces pesticide use, and is an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to disease prevention and control (Berindean et al., 2024). 5 Role of Omics Technologies in Disease-Resistant Potatoes Omics technology is changing the way plant breeding is especially in terms of disease resistance. These techniques include genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. They each help us understand how potatoes resist diseases from different angles. 5.1 Transcriptomics for Disease Resistance Transcriptomics is a method to study changes in gene expression. When potatoes are attacked by pathogens, some genes are expressed more and some are reduced. By analyzing these changes, researchers can find out which genes are related to disease resistance. Studies have found that the use of some substances that induce resistance (such as β-aminobutyric acid BABA and phosphite) can affect the gene expression of potatoes. These changes can enhance its resistance to late blight (Burra, 2016). Through this method, we can find some key regulatory pathways to provide goals for future genetic improvement.
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