Potato (Solanum tuberosum), also known as white or Irish potato, is the most important and useful member of the family Solanaceae. The cultivated potato is an autotetraploid with 2n=2x= 48. It has been recognized as a wholesome food and one of the richest sources of energy in most countries of the world where it forms important part of the human diet. It is one of the efficient starch producing plants and yields more carbohydrates per unit area and time, is rich in protein, minerals, vitamins and high quality dietary fiber. Potatoes are also used as feed for livestock and in the industry for the manufacture of starch and alcohol. An insight into the magnitude of variability present in the gene pool of a crop species is of utmost importance to a plant breeder for starting a judicious plant breeding program and selection of parents for a hybridization program as the development of an efficient plant breeding program is dependent upon the existence of genetic variability. It is native to the Andes Mountains in South America and have been grown for thousands of years. Potatoes are a staple food in many countries around the world and are used in a wide variety of dishes. They are high in carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins C and B6. The potato is a herbaceous perennial plant grown for its edible tubers. The plant has a branched stem and leaves consisting of leaflets that are both unequal in size and shape and can be oval to oblong in shape. The leaves can reach up to 10–30 cm in length. Tubers grow about 25 cm underground in the soil and can be yellow, red, or purple depending on the variety. The potato plant produces white or blue flowers and yellow-green berries. The plants can go up to 1m in height. The crop can be propagated from seed potatoes, which are small tubers that are planted in the soil. They can also be propagated from potato seed, which is a less common method. Once the seed potato or seed is planted, the plant will grow leaves and flowers, and then it will produce tubers underground. Potato is the most important food crop of the world in terms of human consumption after rice, wheat and maize. The cultivated potato of world commerce, Solanum tuberosum L., is a primary food crop grown and consumed worldwide, forming a basic food and source of primary income for many societies. Till 16th century it was unknown to the people of Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Today, potato is the world’s major non-cereal food crop grown in nearly 161 countries in a wide variety of soils and climate. There are close to 4,000 varieties of potatoes, each of which has specific agricultural or culinary attributes. Around 80 varieties are commercially available in the UK. In general, varieties are categorized into a few main groups based on common characteristics, such as russet potatoes (rough brown skin), red potatoes, white potatoes, yellow potatoes (also called Yukon potatoes) and purple potatoes. Potato tubers are a staple food source in temperate regions and are eaten after cooking. They may be cut or sliced and made into potato chips or fries. Potatoes can also be processed into starch, alcohol or flour. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C; they are also a source of fiber, vitamin B6, and folate. They are low in fat, calories, and sodium. The values shown in the following table are approximate and may vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and preparation method of the potatoes. Additionally, cooking and processing methods such as frying or mashing can change the nutritional value of potatoes and increase their calorie and fat content. Even though potatoes are commonly used for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, indigestion (dyspepsia), and other conditions, there is no good scientific evidence to back up these claims. In addition to treating stomach disorders, raw potato juice is also used to treat water retention (oedema). Weight loss is achieved by mixing potato protein powder with water and controlling appetite. People apply raw potatoes directly to sore eyes, boils, burns, arthritis, and infections. Potatoes are used as sources of starch as well as fermented into alcohol . During the late 19th century, numerous images of potato harvesting appeared in European art. An American toy that consists of a plastic potato and attachable plastic parts, such as ears and eyes, to make a face. It was the first toy ever advertised on television. In this review article on Origin, Domestication, Taxonomy, Botanical Description, Genetics and Cytogenetics, Genetic Diversity, Breeding, Uses, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Potato are discussed.
