The Relationship Between Potato Pollen and True Seed: Effects of High Temperature and Pollen Size

Abstract

In the last ten years, scientists at the International Potato Center (CIP) have been investigating the potential of true potato seed (TPS) as an alternative to traditional potato production from tuber seed in developing countries. The potato is considered a luxury vegetable in many developing countries. Locally produced seed tubers are often of low quality and certified seed is usually imported at high cost from countries with temperate climates. The production of healthy seed tubers in tropical areas is difficult because warmer temperatures are conducive to higher levels of potato pathogens of which viruses are of high importance. Since the most important viruses in potato are not passed on through sexual seeds, 1PS may be used to produce potatoes for consumption or for the production of clean “seedling tubers.”