Ploidy manipulation of the gametophyte, endosperm and sporophyte in nature and for crop improvement: a tribute to Professor Stanley J. Peloquin (1921–2008)

Abstract

Based upon a foundation of genetics, cytogenetics and plant reproductive biology, Dr Peloquin and co-workers developed methods to use 2n gametes and haploids for breeding, and used them to move genes for important horticultural traits from wild tuber-bearing Solanum species to cultivated potato for the betterment of agriculture. The resulting potato germplasm included combinations of yield, adaptation, quality and disease resistance traits that were previously unavailable. This elite plant germplasm was utilized and distributed to 85 countries by the CIP, because it not only increased potato yields and quality, it also broadened the adaptation of potato to lowland tropical regions, where humanity has benefited from this addition to their food supply.

Cytoplasmic diversity in potato breeding: case study from the International Potato Center

“…This confirmed empirical observations that some genotypes with the D-type cytoplasm can function as pollen parents (Hosaka and Sanetomo 2012). A higher frequency of male-fertile lines will contribute as well to germplasm enhancement, facilitating the incorporation of desirable traits from 2x germplasm to 4x populations (Ortiz et al 2009). …”

Quantitative Trait Loci for Resistance to Common Scab and Cold‐Induced Sweetening in Diploid Potato

“…Diploid derivatives of S. tuberosum are sexually compatible with S. chacoense (Hermundstad and Peloquin, 1986). Sexual polyploidization can then be used to return to the tetraploid level (Ortiz et al, 2009). In fact, S. chacoense is credited with making major contributions to processing quality in modern tetraploid potato cultivars (Love et al, 1998).…”

Reinventing Potato as a Diploid Inbred Line–Based Crop

“…Some breeding programs maintain a diploid gene pool, often composed of hybrids between dihaploids and diploid wild species carrying specific quality and disease resistance genes not found in cultivars. The number of these lines is small, however, and they have been developed with the intention of introgressing those traits into tetraploid potato via 2 n gametes (Carputo and Barone, 2005; Ortiz et al, 2009). Selection for the broad range of traits required in a new cultivar has not been a priority in these breeding programs.…”