Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #376572
Research Project: Maximizing the Impact of Potato Genebank Resources: Development and Evaluation of a Wild Species Genotype Diversity Panel

Location: Vegetable Crops Research

Title: Genetic and environmental factors contributing to reproductive success and failure in potato

Author
item Bethke, Paul
item JANSKY, SHELLEY

Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/18/2020
Publication Date: 1/6/2021
Citation: Bethke, P.C., Jansky, S.H. 2021. Genetic and environmental factors contributing to reproductive success and failure in potato. American Journal of Potato Research. 98:24-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-020-09810-3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12230-020-09810-3

Interpretive Summary: Potato breeders make crosses between plants to generate improved varieties. In this review, we begin by highlighting a signature problem of potato breeding, the widespread lack of fertility observed in many varieties and breeding lines. We summarize normal development of male and female reproductive structures, fertilization and embryo development. Various manifestations of male and female sterility are then described. Reduced fertility resulting from environmental determinants such as temperature and light intensity are discussed. Finally, suggested best practices that promote fertility are provided as a guide for those conducting breeding and genetics work with potato.

Technical Abstract: The foundation of potato (Solanum tuberosum) breeding and the development of new potato varieties is the crossing of parents to produce seeds that contain a complement of alleles that is superior to either parent. In this review, we begin by highlighting a signature problem of potato breeding, the widespread lack of fertility observed in many lines. We summarize normal development of male and female reproductive structures, fertilization and embryo development. Various manifestations of male and female sterility are then described. These include defects of meiosis and mitosis, bud abscission, competition with tubers for resources, and cytoplasmic male sterility. Reduced fertility resulting from environmental determinants such as temperature and light intensity is discussed. Finally, suggested best practices that promote fertility are provided as a guide for those conducting breeding and genetics work with potato.