Exploration, conservation and evaluation of potato germplasm in Argentina

The activities of the Potato Germ Plasm Centre at Balcarce, Argentina, since its creation in 1970, are outlined. This Centre was developed by INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology) with West German bilateral assistance. Several collecting expeditions have been organized to north-western Argentina and as a result a valuable collection of germplasm is now available to potato breeders from both national and international institutions. Evaluation and utilization of this material are also being actively pursued, and the need for close international cooperation and coordination is stressed.