ABSTRACT
The potato is one of the staple crops in the world for human consumption. Potato plant is highly prone to frost, high temperature (especially at night), and water deficit. Climate change and instability result in frequent and intense drought, abnormally high or low temperatures. Thus, the potato tolerance to stress conditions becomes the main factor for sustainable production. This review aims to present the genetic resources of drought, frost, and high temperature tolerance identified among diversity of potato species. The impact of water deficiency, frost, or high temperatures on potato plants depends on potato stage and stress intensity. Analysis of published data provide the list of wild and cultivated species that can withstand frosts down to −5°C, heat temperature up to 40°C, and drought. There are significant differences among species’ ability to cope with unfavorable temperature and water deficit. However, some wild and cultivated potato relatives display tolerance to several stresses. The relationship between the geographical location of potato species and their ability to withstand frost or high temperatures is discussed. Information on genetic control and mechanisms that ensure potato tolerance to heat, drought, and frost are presented.
