THE INTEGRATION OF PROTOPLAST FUSION-DERIVED MATERIAL INTO A POTATO BREEDING PROGRAM - A REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND PROBLEMS

This paper reviews investigations into the application of protoplast f usion to the genetic and agronomic improvement of potato. Fusion studi es involving Solanum tuberosum are reviewed under the categories of: f usion with wild relatives, dihaploid fusion and asymmetric strategies. The selection and characterisation of putative somatic hybrid materia l is identified as a critical stage in the process and certain specifi c aspects of this technology are identified. Future prospects for the wider uptake and integration of these techniques into breeding program mes are also discussed.