Originated from the Andeans and characterized by its high nutritional value and wide adaptability, the potato is one of the most globally important crops today. It is now being planted in about 160 countries, with China as the biggest potato producer in the world, accounting for one-fourth of the world's total production. The production and consumption of potatoes in China will influence the potato industry worldwide. This book covers the origin, distribution, production, and consumption of the potato.Potatoes have been planted throughout China since their introduction 400 years ago. They have become the main staple food for many Chinese people, especially in the remote mountainous regions. Through the years, different regions have developed different cooking methods for this highly versatile vegetable. With increasing concerns over the ills of Western processed food, for example, French fries, potato dishes prepared in the Chinese way have the advantage of being healthy and diverse. This book serves to provide detailed instructions for their many methods of preparation.With 2008 declared as the United Nations International Year of the Potato, the release of this book is timely, as it encourages healthy and more varied consumption of the crop, thus advancing the potato industry forward.

Potato is a crop grown on all inhabited continents of the globe. It is included in the top five crops of the world, used as staple food in several countries, and the number of people daily consuming the potato may surpass one billion. Despite the high quantities of seed potato produced worldwide, there are yield gaps due to challenges such as abiotic stresses, pests, climate change and poor production practices. A region-wide critical analysis of yield declining factors can help formulate management strategies that can improve potato yields. Bridging yield gaps in potato will ultimately ensure the role of this crop in securing current and future food security. Potato Production Worldwide presents information on this global crop from its history, morphology, and taxonomy to the growth and development of the potato crop, including the latest strategies in addressing today's biotic and abiotic challenges. This book identifies the reasons for yield gaps in various potato production regions of the world, as well as presenting the best production practices, pest management strategies and approaches to deal with climate change from the perspective of potato production. Chapters provide important insights into potato production cultures and approaches in the major potato production countries. Potato Production Worldwide will be a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and students seeking a comprehensive view of successful potato production. - Provides comprehensive information on the origin, history, taxonomy, morphology, ecophysiology, growth and development of the potato - Addresses production practices, including irrigation, nutrient management, harvesting and post-harvest techniques - Explores the impact of Abiotic stresses (drought, chilling, salinity etc.) and their management

Deals with biotechnological approaches incorporated into po- tato improvement progammes. These methods have far-reaching implications for the synthesis of improved, disease- resist- ant and nutritious cultivars of potato.