Potato germplasm enhancement for resistance to biotic stresses at CIP. Conventional and biotechnology-assisted approaches using a wide range of Solanum species

Summary Potato genetic improvement has been facilitated using new knowledge of potato reproductive biology and new techniques. Many wild diploid species as well as landrace cultivars have been used in breeding at the diploid level, a strategy which is supported by 1) 2n gametes and 2) haploids from tetraploid cultivars. Different categories of wild species which have been under-utilized are now being exploited further in more systematic enhancement programmes using semi-conventional and biotechnological methods. Molecular maps of the potato genome are used actively to achieve marker-assisted introgression and improved selection among the germplasm collections to facilitate the use of valuable wild genetic resources. As an alternative method to incorporate a high level of fesistance, genetic engineering has been employed to facilitate the initial breeding process using various gene constructs for controlling major biotic stresses in the world.