ABSTRACT
Application of traditional methods of breeding involving selection of superior plants from genetically variable populations produced through sexual propagation has the potential for improving the storage quality of tropical root and tuber crops.
A selection program has been initiated at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to study this. Selection in breeding populations grown from seed could provide disease-resistant clones. For example, IITA research has reported some success with weevil resistance in sweet potato.
It should be possible to breed cultivars with characteristics reducing the effects of factors which contribute to storage losses such as fungal and bacterial rots, sprouting, respiration, and mechanical injury.
