Recent Advances in Solanum Potato Improvement In Uganda

Abstract

The paper reviews the major production constraints for extension of potato production and the role of potato as an import.ant food a op. Breeding techniques to develop tropical potato varieties with higher yield, wider adaptability, and better resistance to late blight and bacterial wilt are discussed. Genotypes, 381381.20, 374080.5-PJ, 575049-CEW 69.1and381379.9 have been Identified in different
stages of assessment for high yield, disease resistance and drought tolerance. True Potato Seed (TPS) both as seedling tubers and transplants seems to be a promising alternative to costly tuber seed production. TPS progenies exhibited better resistance to both late blight and bacterial wilt than the conventional seed tubers. Viable, commercial seed schemes and appropriate low cost storage methods are discussed. These tedlnologicaJ advances could have far-reaching effects in stabilising potato yields.