Status of Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis Resistance Breeding in Africa

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the major crops in Africa with the potential of improving food and nutritional security. Potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis have more recently been reported as a new pest challenging production of the crop in the region. This review analyses development and selection of PCN resistant cultivars in Africa as a PCN control strategy with major focus on sources of host resistance in existing cultivars. A limited number of studies on development and selection of PCN resistant cultivars were found. Despite this, there were multiple PCN resistances particularly among cultivars originally sourced from Europe and grown by farmers in the region. This review proposed identification and utilization of resistant cultivars already adopted by farmers as an immediate strategy for PCN control while waiting for the development of new resistant cultivars as a long-term solution to the problem.