A multiple disease resistant potato clone developed with classical breeding methodology

Genetic plant resistance is one strategy for minimizing the effects of disease. Identification and improvements in inherent resistance have been longstanding objectives of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's potato breeding program at Fredericton. The potato as known in North America is a tetraploid, vegetatively propagated crop that is susceptible to a wide range of diseases and pests. Disease resistance is one of many attributes, including adaptation, consumer quality, and appearance, that must be combined in a new cultivar before it is accepted and grown on any scale. Classical breeding programs have sought and transferred sources of resistance from cultivated and wild relatives of the potato. This paper describes the approaches, the methods, and some of the hurdles encountered in the process. The example of clone F87084, which has resistances to several different diseases, will be used to portray the cooperative efforts that will culminate in this selection's release as adapted, disease-resistant germp...