CULTIVAR CORNER

Cultivar Corner is produced and edited for Spudman magazine by Susie Thompson, assistant professor and potato breeder, Department of Plant Science, NDSU. Stephen Love, associate professor and research horticulturist, Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences, Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho. Gregory Porter, associate professor of agronomy, Department of Plant, Soil and Envronmental Sciences, University of Maine.

Fremont Russet
(CO85026-4)

    Parentage:  Century Russet x WNC630-2

  Developers:  Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station

Plant Variety Protection:  Applied for
   
Agronomic Characteristics
Morphological Characteristics
Maturity
   Medium to late  
Plant
   Medium-sized vine, similar to Century Russet in color and architecture with white flowers.
Tubers
   Oblong to long, dark medium-heavy russet skin. Flesh is white. Sets about seven tubers per hill and averages about 2.5 stems per plant. Space at about 12 inches to maximize yield and grade (wider spacing may result in rough and misshapen tubers). Enlarged lenticels, growth cracks, deep eyes and aligator hide have occasionally been noted  
Tubers
   Oblong to long, dark medium-heavy russet skin, shallow eyes which are more prevalent on the apical end and flesh is white.
Utilization
   Fresh market  
   
Yield
   Medium (+370 cwt/acre)  
   
Specific Gravity
   Medium (1.086 avg.)  
   
Culinary Quality
   Good  
Strengths: Low incidence of internal and external defects.
Foliage
   Medium sized-vine with architecture and color similar to Century Russet. Utilizes low nitrogen (140-150 lbs./acre), performs well in rocky soil and is resistant to metribuzin applications.  
Weaknesses: No major weaknesses have been observed.
Incentives for Production: Attractive long-term storage potato and low input requirements.
Diseases
   Overall disease problems are minimal.Bacterial ring rot foliar expression is adequate and occurs within 90 days after planting. Susceptible to blackleg, softrot seed piece decay, PVY, PLRVand foliar early blight.  
Seed Availability: Certified seed potatoes are available from producers in Colorado.
Storability
   Excellent long-term storage potato Moderately susceptible to blackspot bruise and shatter bruise.