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Published on 26 January 2026

B/CH/25/02 (B25002): Application to release a genetically modified potato strain with improved potato late blight resistance for experimental purposes

Submitted 9 December 2025

Publication in the Federal Law Gazette (BBI):

Applicant: Agroscope

Organism: potato

Property: Resistance to late blight of potato

Genetic modification:

- Late blight resistance gene

  • Native promoter of the gene Rpi-chc1;
  • Resistance gene Rpi-chc1 from Solanum chacoense;
  • Native terminator of the gene Rpi-chc1

- Marker gene

No marker gene was introduced

Purpose of experiment:

  • Characterisation of the cisgenic potato line under field conditions, in particular of its resistance against local strains of the potato late blight pathogen; this is in preparation of further releases for the NRP 84 project CRISPS with this line serving as control;
  • Clarification of biosafety-related aspects of the release of the cisgenic potato line.

Location of experiment:

  • Protected site of Agroscope in Zurich, Reckenholz, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zurich

Duration of experiment: spring 2026 to autumn 2030

Legal basis

  • Gene Technology Act (GTA)
  • Release Ordinance (RO)