True Potato Seed Technology to Fight Potato Blight in Developing Countries

摘要

One of the most damaging fungal diseases of potato is late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. In the 1960s, the Indian Potato Programme (IPP) had actively collaborated with William Black and John Niederhauser to breed late blight-resistant cultivars which were evaluated in Mexico. Although this program produced resistant varieties now grown extensively in India and neighboring countries, such as Nepal and Bhutan, the resistance seems to be breaking down and more fungicidal sprays are needed toprotect potato crops.