ARS | Publication request: SAMPLING REMOTE IN SITU SITES OF USA WILD POTATO CAPTURES MORE DIVERSITY

Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2006
Publication Date: February 1, 2007
Citation: Bamberg, J.B., Del Rio, A., Fernandez, C.J. 2007. Sampling remote in situ sites of usa wild potato captures more diversity [abstract]. American Journal of Potato Research. 84:76.

Technical Abstract: WILD potato populations in the USA grow both in easily-accessed sites near roads (usually relatively low elevations) and in more remote, high-altitude wilderness areas that can only be accessed by long hikes and overnight camping. Both the Chiricahua and Huachuca mountain ranges (SE Arizona) had been collected multiple times over many years at easily-accessed sites. In September 2004 and 2005, we made the first collections of S. stoloniferum (formerly S. fendleri) from the crests, and used molecular markers to compare the remote populations with earlier collections. Crest collections from both ranges formed relatively homogeneous clusters quite distinct from the easily-accessed sites nearby. Potato genebanks seek to acquire the maximum spectrum of genetic diversity for research and breeding. If these two model mountain ranges are typical, the extra time and effort needed to collect remote sites is justified by the significant additional diversity that can be captured there.