Distributions, ex situ conservation priorities, and genetic resource potential of crop wild relatives of sweetpotato

Crop wild relatives of sweetpotato have the potential to contribute to breeding objectives for this important root crop. Uncertainty in regard to species boundaries and their phylogenetic relationships, the limited availability of germplasm with which to perform crosses, and the difficulty of introgression of genes from wild species has constrained their utilization. This paper compiles geographic occurrence data on relevant sweetpotato wild relatives and produce potential distribution models for the species. The study then assesses the comprehensiveness of ex situ germplasm collections, contextualize these results with research and breeding priorities, and use ecogeographic information to identify species with the potential to contribute desirable agronomic traits.