The introgression of 2x 1EBN Solanum species into the cultivated potato using Solanum verrucosum as a bridge

Wild diploid Solanum species with an endosperm balance number (EBN) of one are a rich source of disease resistance, pest resistance, and tuber quality traits. They are not sexually compatible with 4x 4EBN or 2x 2EBN forms of the cultivated potato. In this study, the wild 2x 2EBN Mexican species S. verrucosum (ver) was used as a bridge species to access 2x 1EBN germplasm. Hybrids (V1) were created between ver as a female parent and the 1EBN species S. cardiophyllum, S. chancayense, S. commersonii, and S. trifidum. Most of the V1 hybrids were successfully crossed as females to cultivated 2x 2EBN clones. However, due to stylar barriers, reciprocal crosses were unsuccessful. Additional studies are underway to determine the effectiveness of ver as a bridge to introgress specific traits from 2x 1EBN germplasm into the cultivated potato.