Potato Breeding: Theory and Practice

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the world's fourth most important food crop, with 377 million tonnes of tubers produced in 2016 from 19.2 million hectares of land. 62% of production was in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and the UN "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" aims to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round. The book aims to help this endeavour by providing detailed information on potato breeding theory and practice, including the use of landraces, wild relatives, clonally propagated cultivars, and gene editing and genetic transformation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 563 pages
Publication date: 10 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) holds a significant position as the world's fourth most important food crop, following maize, rice, and wheat. In 2016, a remarkable 377 million tonnes of fresh tubers were produced from a mere 19.2 million hectares of land, spanning across 163 countries. This impressive yield translates to a global average of 19.6 tonnes per hectare. Asia, Africa, and Latin America accounted for approximately 62% of the total production, with notable increases in China and India. As a vital component of the global food system, the potato plays a crucial role in the United Nations' "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." This agenda, which commenced on January 1, 2016, aims to ensure universal access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all individuals, particularly those in vulnerable situations, including infants. By 2030, the world population is projected to reach 8.5 billion, and it is expected to continue to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050. In the face of climate change, which poses significant challenges to potato production, there is a pressing need to enhance production and improve nutritional value. Breeding new cultivars that can adapt to diverse target environments and consumer preferences is a key aspect of this endeavor.

The book aims to contribute to this effort by presenting comprehensive information in three distinct parts. Part I delves into the historical background of potato improvement and genetics. Part II outlines breeding objectives, categorized into improving yield, quality traits, and resistance to the most significant diseases and pests affecting potatoes. Part III explores breeding methods, encompassing the utilization of landraces and wild relatives of potatoes for introgression breeding, broadening the genetic base, and enhancing population improvement.

In conclusion, the potato's importance as a food crop and its role in sustainable development cannot be overstated. The book aims to provide valuable insights and techniques for potato breeding, ultimately contributing to the global effort to ensure food security and meet the growing demand for potatoes.

Weight: 884g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030644161
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021