Potato improvement: International experience useful for Indian program*

The potato has been developed for northern climates utilizing very narrow genetic base. Breeding program worldwide have utilized CIP genetic resources to provide national agricultural research systems (NARS) with source of improved materials. CIP also provides each year a large number of high heterozygous and heterogenous populations of wide crosses with combined durable resistances to major biotic and abiotic stresses and advanced clones to NARS around the world for variety selection. As a result, 135 CIP originated lines have been released by the national programs in 36 countries. TPS becomes a profitable alternative to costly seed tubers in several parts of the developing countries. Even European countries and U.S.A. have adopted this technology to produce disease free tubers. Development of sustainable seed production system making available reasonably priced seed, has significantly improved potato yields. Integrated pest management provides new ways of controlling PTM both in the field and during storage. Extensive research on farming syhstems demonstrated the importance of potato as a component of improved cropping systems. An other Important aspect of potato culture has been to develop low-input sustainable potato production through concurrent attention to non-monitory inputs. Apprpriate non-refrigerated storage mthods consistent with ecological conditions relevant to tuber health during storage minimize storage losses and made it possible to deliver the seed stocks in their correct physiological condition at the time of planting. The above technological advances provide a base for action to exploit the potential of the potato by NARS. Some of the specific advancements may be directly useful for the Indian program.