Advances in Research on Potato Production

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world’s third-most important food crop and the fourth-most important food crop in India. Potatoes are nutritionally very rich, fat-free and gluten-free, are high in dietary fibre as well as being enriched with vitamin C, B6, phenols, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein content comparable to that of cereals. They are more energy-packed than any other popular vegetable and have the ability to combat hidden hunger, which is a major global health issue. The United Nations declared 2008 the International Year of the Potato (IYP) to increase awareness of the relationship that exists between poverty, food security, malnutrition, and the potential contribution of the potato to defeating hunger. Moreover, this magical crop can generate a higher yield compared to the other crops; hence, it is one of the most notable crops to eliminate hunger and poverty. Therefore, sustainable potato production is important for food security and social welfare in future climate change scenarios. Due to its shallow root system, potatoes are sensitive to environmental conditions and climate change. It is projected that potato yield may decrease up to 32% by 2050 due to increasing temperatures and drought conditions. Thus, future potato breeding programmes should focus on enhancing abiotic and biotic stress tolerance through the utilization of the natural germplasm conserved in different gene banks along with climate-friendly agronomical practices. Moreover, potato breeding should benefit from the effectiveness and ease of molecular techniques such as marker-assisted selection, genome-wide association studies, functional genomics, and transgenics. The development of new potato varieties can also be achieved via genetic engineering and genome editing. Disease-free potato seed production requires the integration of tissue culture methods, followed by the production of mini-tubers under an aeroponic system. As a staple food for millions, the potato has an extraordinarily rich past and a bright future. The demand for potatoes will increase in the future, which will be the driving force behind potato research. Hence, the present book is formulated for professionals, researchers, and postgraduate students working with advanced production, breeding, and postharvest technologies on potato crop specially in Indian perspective.