Cost efficient potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar identification by microsatellite amplification

Potato cultivar identification is of great importance for seed production, germplasm management and breeders' right protection. This study identified four SSRs necessary to discriminate between 37 commercially important potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars from INTA and other origins, frequently used in Argentina and neighbouring countries. Their PIC values ranged from 0.63 to 0.73 and separation was performed using high resolution agarose gel electrophoresis. The clear patterns obtained and the low cost and simplicity of the technique makes it an ideal tool for routine and effective potato cultivar identification.