Abstract
Hexaploid somatic hybrids have been obtained by fusion of protoplasts fromSolanum brevidens (PI 218228, 2x = 2n = 24) andS. tuberosum (PI 203900 or cv. Russet Burbank; 2x = 4n = 48). In the work reported here, pentaploid progeny derived from sexual crosses between the somatic hybrids and the potato cultivar, Katahdin were assessed for transfer of disease resistances and improvement of agronomic traits. Segregation was noted in disease resistances to race 0 ofPhytophthora infestans and to tuber soft rot caused byErwinia spp., indicating that sexual transfer of traits captured by protoplast fusion had occurred. The pentaploid progeny showed substantial variation in and often improvement of some agronomic traits as compared to the somatic hybrids. The results indicate that interspecific somatic hybridization can produce material with potential for use in a potato breeding program
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