Molecular Markers for Diseases and Pests Resistance Breeding in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Potato is one of the most important plant species for human nutrition. While several diseases and pests cause economic losses in potato production, different control measures are applied to diminish these damages. The use of resistant varieties is one of the most effective, the cheapest and environmentally friendly way. Resistance tests are time consuming, laborious and costly in potato breeding. These difficulties are overcome by using molecular markers. Molecular markers allow rapid and reliable screening of the genotypes and have been commonly used in potato breeding. Resistance genes mostly exist in wild forms of potato, and are transferred to cultivated potato by classic breeding or biotechnological methods. This article aims to review the applications of molecular markers which were improved against main diseases and pests of potato.