A multiple disease resistant potato clone developed with classical breeding methodology

Genetic plant resistance is one strategy for minimizing the effects of dise ase. Identification and improvements in inherent resistance have been longs tanding objectives of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's potato breeding pr ogram at Fredericton. The potato as known in North America is a tetraploid, vegetatively propagated crop that is susceptible to a wide range of diseas es and pests. Disease resistance is one of many attributes, including adapt ation, consumer quality, and appearance, that must be combined in a new cul tivar before it is accepted and grown on any scale. Classical breeding prog rams have sought and transferred sources of resistance from cultivated and wild relatives of the potato. This paper describes the approaches, the meth ods, and some of the hurdles encountered in the process. The example of clo ne F87084, which has resistances to several different diseases, will be use d to portray the cooperative efforts that will culminate in this selection' s release as adapted, disease-resistant germplasm.