ARS | Publication request: The canon of potato science. . . 50 topics in potato science that every potato scientist should know: 1) Genetic diversity and gene banks

Submitted to: Potato Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 10, 2008
Publication Date: June 24, 2008
Citation: Bamberg, J.B., Del Rio, A.H. 2008. The canon of potato science. . . 50 topics in potato science that every potato scientist should know: 1) Genetic diversity and gene banks. Potato Research. 50:207-210.

Technical Abstract: This is a compilation of invited reviews on 50 key potato science topics to celebrate the 50 anniversary of the journal Potato Research published by the European Potato Association. The article in question reviews potato genetic diversity and gene banks. It presents basic aspects of the mission and scope of genebanks including the tasks: acquire, classify, preserve, evaluate, distribute. It explains why germplasm and genebanks are important to potato science and the potato industry by providing efficient access to breeding materials, research models, and information. And, it explains how the narrow genetic base of the potato crop has been improved by both genes for specific traits and by an increase of general vigor from exotic germplasm. A scenario is presented that illustrates how inefficient it would be for every potato scientist to perform genebank services for himself. New developments that have impacted genebanks and germplasm science are noted. Finally, a short list of other key reviews recommended for further reading is presented.