Progress in somatic hybridization research in potato during the past 40 years

Somatic hybridization has been used in potato to overcome the sexual barriers between the cultivated (Solanum tuberosum L.) and wild species. To date hundreds of inter/intra-specific somatic hybrids have been produced via protoplast fusions using 23 Solanum species and characterized for multiple traits such as agronomic, disease/pest resistance, salinity, frost and others. With increasing success in recovery of fusion products, somatic hybrids have been exploited in potato genetics, breeding and genomics studies. Here, we report on progress in somatic hybridization research in potato during the past 40 years.