How can an an autopolyploid compensate for their adaptive inferiority?

Question

Autopolyploidy in potatoes?

Answer 1

Many polyploids are actually more vigorous, more productive and more resistant to diseases and pests than diploid varieties.  The main disadvantage in polyploids is preventing problems of separating the replicated chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.  Since potatoes can reproduce asexually through the formation of tubers, sexual reproduction errors are not as likely to cause harm but may actually increase variations that may be adaptive.