Exploring wild Potato Relatives for Biotic and Abiotic Stress Resistance: A Genetic Resource Review

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the world’s most important food crops, yet its limited genetic diversity makes it vulnerable to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Wild Solanum species represent a rich source of genetic variation that can be exploited to improve resistance traits in cultivated potatoes. This review highlights the valuable genetic resources found in wild potatoesforaddressing key agricultural challenges. In terms of biotic stress, resistance mechanisms such as glycoalkaloid production (e.g., α-Solanine, α-Chaconine, tomatine, leptines) and the presence of glandular trichomes have been identified in species like S. chacoense, S. tarijense, and S. polyadenium, conferring resistance to major pests such as the Colorado potato beetle and aphids. S. hougasii shows notable resistance to nematodes. For abiotic stress, traits associated with drought tolerance (e.g., genes ACS3, ALDH, PP2C), cold tolerance (S. commersonii, S. acaule), and heat tolerance (e.g., HSP17.7, HSC70) have been observed. Recent research also identifies the StCYS1 gene, encoding a cystatin protein, as a positive regulator of salt tolerance in potato by enhancing osmotic adjustment and oxidative stress responses. The integration of such traits into breeding programs using molecular tools and conventional selection offers a promising pathway for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding potato cultivars. Continued exploration and conservation of wild germplasm are essential for sustaining global potato production under changing environmental conditions.