Staff Writer
Gregory Porter, professor of agronomy at the University of Maine at Presque Isle gave a presentation on the school’s potato breeding program, during the 23rd annual Maine Potato Conference.
Aroostook Republican Photo/Andrew DyerA number of potential potato breeds were on display at the recent Maine Potato Conference. Gregory Porter of the University of Maine Potato Breeding Program described advantages and disadvantages of each breed that is currently undergoing testing.
Porter gave an update on potato varieties which are currently undergoing tests, and the benefits of each breed if they pass the rigorous tests they must undergo.
“I think this program offers an important research component and I think it offers a lot of possibility for the industry over time. I look at it as providing opportunities to solve production problems, things like developing pest resistant varieties that can help reduce the need for fungicide applications, or overcoming other problems as well as providing marketing opportunities for growers. One thing you can be sure of is any new variety that we produce won’t be perfect. Just like the varieties that we are currently growing. There are going to be weak points that people have to learn about and manage around,” said Porter.
According to Porter although the process is very worthwhile it is very complicated and difficult, as the genetics of potatoes is very complicated which results in little resemblance between offspring and parent varieties. Also performance of a variety is strongly dependent on the environment; weather, pests, soil etc. A variety may look very promising for several years in several locations before failing. For this reason varieties are tested over a number of growing seasons in a number of locations.
During the course of a year the University of Maine Potato Breeding Program evaluates 25-30,000 individual single-hill seedlings, which are developed from crosses between any of the following origins: locally developed seedlings, North American and European programs, the International Potato Center and the USDA-ARS Potato Germplasm Collection.
Porter also pointed out the importance of using local potatoes as they are best evolved for the unique growing environment of northern Maine. Often breeds from elsewhere do not fare well in Aroostook soil, and vice versa.
The research is broken up into the following potato varieties, 50 percent russets and long whites for processing and or fresh use, 40 percent round-whites for chipping and/or fresh use and 10 percent specialty varieties, such as red skinned or yellow fleshed, for fresh use.
Porter summarized some of the program’s research which has shown a number of promising potatoes, which are resistant to a number of diseases, and are well suited for the growing season in Aroostook. Research is also going into developing potatoes which are high in antioxidants, lutein and vitamin C. There is still a long way to go for each of the varieties, before consumers will find them on their tables however.
