Technology Description:  ARS researchers in California have developed a way to eliminate bitter compounds (called glycoalkaloids), which form in some potato varieties.  Excessive glycoalkaloids cause many potato lines and varieties to be rejected each year from potato breeding programs. ARS’s gene-based strategy blocks these bitter compounds from forming in potatoes.  Currently, no other technologies or methods exist to reduce or control glycoalkaloid levels in potatoes.  This is the only technology available that can immediately affect glycoalkaloid levels in potatoes.      ARS is looking for a cooperative research and development partner to produce and test potato lines with optimal agricultural performance.  Molecular biologists working with breeders could use this technology.   The American chipping potato industry would benefit from this technology.  Potato breeders could use this technology to develop new superior potato varieties that could be used in potato chips, and other potato products.   Reference:  Please refer to S.N. 11/272,952 (Docket #0143.04), Solanum Tuberosum Sterol Alkaloid Glycosyltransferase (SGT) A Novel Solanidine Glucosyltransferase SGT@ and Uses Thereof,” which was filed on November 14, 2005.  Foreign rights are not available.   Inventors:   Kent McCue Crop Improvement/Utilization Research Albany, CA  94710 Phone: (510) 559-5796     Fax: (510) 559-5818 kmccue@pw.usda.gov Louise V. Sheperd Scottish Crop Research Institute Invergowrie, DU, Scotland  DD2 5DA Phone: 44 1382 562731    Fax: 44 1382 568503 lshep@scri.sari.ac.uk Howard V. Davies (Same as second inventor) Phone: 44 1382 568513    Fax: 44 1382 568503 hdavie@scri.sari.ac.uk William Belknap (Same as first inventor) Phone: (510) 559-6072    Fax:  (510) 559-5818 wrb@pw.usda.gov Paul Allen (Same as first inventor) Phone: (510) 559-5631     Fax: (510) 559-5818 pallen@pw.usda.gov David Rockhold (Same as first inventor) Phone: (510) 559-5722    Fax: (510) 559-5818 drr@pw.usda.gov