ARS | Publication request: Searching for a New Improved Atlantic in ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Superior’ Reciprocal Cross Populations

Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2010
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Citation: Zorilla, C., Navarro, F., Vega, S., Bowen, B., Bamberg, J.B., Palta, J. 2011. Searching for a New Improved Atlantic in ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Superior’ Reciprocal Cross Populations [abstract]. American Journal of Potato Research. 88:71.

Technical Abstract: ‘Atlantic’ is the standard variety for chipping from the field or very short-term cold storage. It has traits desired by the chip industry such as uniformity, high specific gravity and high yield. However, ‘Atlantic’ tubers are susceptible to common scab and internal defects such as internal brown spot, black spot bruise and hollow heart. In contrast, ‘Superior’ has been reported as resistant to common scab and internal defects. Also, previous studies in our program revealed that ‘Superior’ has high tuber calcium as compared to ‘Atlantic’. The F1 segregating populations of a reciprocal cross between ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Superior’ was evaluated for specific gravity, yield, common scab, internal quality and external appearance. These evaluations revealed that the phenotypic segregation patterns among reciprocal populations were similar for most traits but differed for yield. The characteristics of these populations suggest that: (i) the clones from this 4X-4X population can be adapted to commercial production in a shorter time than introducing traits from exotic germplasm; (ii) the maternal effect on the evaluated traits can be studied and the best female parent to improve a specific trait can be identified for future crosses; (iii) these populations can be used to map traits of commercial interest and identify molecular markers linked to them; (iv) and the desired traits of the two parents might be combined to develop a new improved Atlantic.