Project Number: 5354-21000-013-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jul 24, 2006
End Date: Jul 23, 2011

Objective:
Determine the value of advanced potato germplasm with particular attention to disease, pest, and stress resistance, yield, quality characteristics, and profitability parameters. Define cultural conditions which will optimize yield and quality of each clone.

Approach:
New germplasm arising out of Federal and State breeding programs will be propagated to produce relatively disease-free seed. Clones will be grown under several climatic conditions, in multiple locations, under a multitude of cultural practice variables, and under planned disease, pest, and stress exposures. Evaluations will include expressions of resistance, yield, quality (external and internal), processabililty, storability, phytonutrient content and overall assessment of profitability under existing pricing and contracts for raw product in the fresh and processed sectors. Attention will be placed on developing an array of potential cultivars with candidates for every market type on a national and international basis. Larger scale commercial trials of more promising clones will be organized with industry representatives. Replacing 5354-21000-011-00D expired 8/30/2006.