The foundation of potato (Solanum tuberosum) breeding and the development of new potato varieties is the crossing of parents to produce seeds that contain new combinations of alleles that may be superior to those in either parent. In this review, we begin by highlighting a signature problem of potato breeding, the widespread lack of fertility observed in many lines. We summarize normal development of male and female reproductive structures, fertilization and embryo growth. Various manifestations of male and female sterility are then described. These include defects of meiosis and mitosis, bud abscission, competition between reproductive structures and tubers for resources, and cytoplasmic male sterility. Effects of environmental determinants, such as temperature and light intensity, on fertility are discussed. Finally, suggested best practices that promote fertility are provided as a guide for those conducting breeding and genetics work with potato.

马铃薯（马铃薯）的基础马铃薯新品种的选育和开发是父母的杂交，产生的种子含有等位基因的新组合，可能优于任何一个亲本。在这篇评论中，我们首先强调马铃薯育种的一个标志性问题，即在许多品系中普遍缺乏生育能力。我们总结了男性和女性生殖结构，受精和胚胎生长的正常发育。然后描述了男性和女性不育的各种表现。这些包括减数分裂和有丝分裂的缺陷，芽脱落，生殖结构和块茎之间对资源的竞争以及细胞质雄性不育。讨论了诸如温度和光照强度等环境决定因素对生育力的影响。最后，