Status and way-forward in breeding potato (Solanum tuberosum) for resistance to late blight

Improving host resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) has been a major concern of potato breeders since the Irish famine 1840s. Since then, number resistant (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars have developed using both conventional and molecular techniques. However, did not last long broke down due emergence more virulent races Phytophthora infestans. This perspective paper presents status sources blight, defence mechanism against pathogen genes mapped, cloned, transferred cultivated potato. Considerable progress made in all aspects breeding for blight. critical appraisal suggests continued need identify new resistance, transfer from diverse stacking them maximum into individual plants. Other strategies combat this dreaded disease are also discussed.