Teacher David showers Transform the potato selection process – one of the most important food crops in the world. With the support of Project Greeen, Michigan’s Plant Agriculture Initiative, showers go from the breeding of traditional tetraploid potatoes (which have four sets of chromosomes) with diploid potatoes (which have two sets). This simplifies the breeding process and allows researchers to develop new varieties of improved potatoes more quickly.
Why is it important to put food on the table? Diploid farm facilitates the introduction of lines such as resistance to pests, higher efficiency and improved food quality. For example, a key breakthrough allowed diploid potatoes to pollute themselves, accelerating the development of new varieties. This means that producers can get better potatoes in the ground earlier.
In the end, this research ensures a stable and affordable supply of potatoes and strengthening the food system. It supports farmers by reducing production costs and improving the sustainability of agriculture by limiting the use of pesticides. And for families in the country, it means having healthy and nutritious potatoes on their tables for the years to come.
However, while shower work had a global impact, the American agency for international development or USAID, funding was withdrawn in early 2025.
“The potato is a harvest that is cultivated in many countries of the world, and it is one of our food staples just behind wheat and rice,” explains showers. “About any country in which you go, you find that the production of potatoes is critical. It is not a harvest that you put in containers and ship into the world. It is this lively and breathable tube. So you tend to develop the potato and use it in this region.
Learn more about Msutoday.
Shape the future of agriculture
While most farmers focus on this year’s growth season, scientists from the MSU WK Kellogg organic station, or KBS, are watching decades in the future. Their goal is to create agricultural systems that will remain productive, profitable and lasting long -term. This is why KBS joined the Long -term agroecosystem research of the American department of agriculture, Or LTAR, Network, which is a group of 18 national research sites working together to improve agriculture while protecting the environment.
Philip Robertson. Courtesy
The LTAR objective is to explore how to cultivate more food without harming natural resources. At KBS, this means teaming up with farmers and other stakeholders to study things such as soil and water health, climate resilience, pest management and economic viability. By combining scientific research with real world agricultural experience, the program aims to develop solutions that work in practice, not only on paper.
“The possibility of helping to structure a sustainable food production system is very exciting,” explains Marc Hasenick of Hasenick Brothers Farm, who joins the LTAR. “Our state has an incredible diversity of landscape and production systems that provide the perfect canvas to demonstrate that the stability of long-term food production and long-term socio-ecological stability must go hand in hand.”
“What is new and exciting in the LTAR is the emphasis on a long-term partnership between scientists and stakeholders such as farmers and other people interested in agricultural results to design sustainable and lasting agricultural systems in Michigan and beyond”, explains ” Philip RobertsonDistinguished professor of the university in the Plant, soil and microbial sciences department and director of LTAR KBS. “This allows us to take our long history of basic research in KBS to inform the practical questions of implementation and results.”
This work is particularly important because agriculture is faced with challenges in changes in climate and changing markets. KBS LTAR work helps get a more stable, productive and sustainable food future for everyone.
Learn more about the Kellogg organic station website.
The challenges of our food system are real, but the solutions too. With continuous support for federal funding, Spartan researchers can continue to work alongside producers and communities to ensure that fresh, safe and affordable foods remain on our tables.
For generations, Spartans have changed the world through research. Federal funding helps fuel many discoveries that improve life and keep America at the cutting edge of innovation and competitiveness. From treatment to life cancer to solutions that advance technology, agriculture, energy and more, MSU researchers work every day to shape a better future for the inhabitants of Michigan and beyond. Learn more about the impact of MSU’s search Powered by a partnership with the federal government.