Genetic Diversity Trends in the Cultivated Potato: A Spatiotemporal Overview

Abstract

We investigated the changes in genetic diversity over time and space of the cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) for the period pre-1800 to 2021. A substantial panel of 1219 potato varieties, belonging to different spatiotemporal groups, was examined using a set of 35 microsatellite markers (SSR). Genotypic data covering a total of 407 alleles was analyzed using both self-organizing map (SOM) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) de novo and a priori clustering methods, respectively. Data analysis based on different models of genetic structuring provided evidence of (1) at least two early lineages that have been maintained since their initial introduction from the Andes into Europe in the 16th century, followed by later ones coming from reintroduction events from the US in the mid-1800s; (2) a level of diversity that has gradually evolved throughout the studied time periods and areas, with the most modern variety groups encompassing most of the diversity found in earlier decades; (3) the emergence of new genetic groups within the current population due to increases in the use of germplasm enhancement practices using exotic germplasms. In addition, analysis revealed significant genetic differentiation both among and within the spatiotemporal groups of germplasm studied. Our results therefore highlight that no major genetic narrowing events have occurred within the cultivated potato over the past three centuries. On the contrary, the genetic base shows promising signs of improvement, thanks to extensive breeding work that is gaining momentum. This overview could be drawn on not only to understand better how past decisions have impacted the current genetic cultivated potato resources, but also to develop appropriate new strategies for breeding programs consistent with the socio-economic and sustainability challenges faced by agrifood systems.

Diversity of Late Blight Resistance Genes in the VIR Potato Collection

“…The evolutionary analyses of this landscape would substantially promote and accelerate the search for the variation sought after by both evolution researchers and breeders [ 65 ]. This context helps elucidate the evolution of Rpi genes, assess their present diversity, and grasp the prospects to discover new beneficial alleles both in genetic collections of wild species [ 10 , 25 , 66 ] and in already existing multi-parent hybrids, which accumulated germplasm from numerous wild species introgressed sometimes many years ago [ 52 ].…”

Phenolic and anthocyanin content characterization related to genetic diversity analysis of Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum Chilotanum Group in southern Chile

“…The approach used in this investigation based on the 22 SSR markers (Ghislain et al, 2004) enables merging the data with the named genebanks around the world. It could also be useful for the study of the belonging to different spatiotemporal groups, as done by Spanoghe et al (2022) by examining a substantial panel of 1219 potato varieties using 35 microsatellite markers (SSR) to evaluate the genetic diversity. Ghislain et al (2009) developed a potato genetic identification kit to differentiate 93.5% and 98.8% of 742 landraces using 24 and 51 SSR markers, respectively, indicating that SSR markers could efficiently identify potato germplasm at the genetic level.…”

“…The approach used in this investigation based on the 22 SSR markers ( Ghislain et al., 2004 ) enables merging the data with the named genebanks around the world. It could also be useful for the study of the belonging to different spatiotemporal groups, as done by Spanoghe et al. (2022) by examining a substantial panel of 1219 potato varieties using 35 microsatellite markers (SSR) to evaluate the genetic diversity.…”

Historical Changes in Agricultural Systems and the Current Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Southern Chile

“…Chiloé is one of the origin centres of the potato, its inhabitants have developed and perfected the crop and today there are more than 200 varieties [59]. However, in recent years the farmers of Chiloé have concentrated on the production of a few commercial varieties to achieve a better yield, so that today the native potato shows little genetic renewal and a loss of productive potential [60]. During fieldwork, it was observed that conventional agriculture concentrates more on commercial varieties to achieve better yields, while agroecological agriculture promotes diversity and the cultivation of native potatoes.…”