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The potato industry
is making changes in production practices that will
reduce chemical inputs while at the same time increase production
and quality. As part of the strategy to accomplish this, growers
are using new potato varieties.
The impact of
new potato varieties on the potato industry can be measured by looking
at seed acreage. In 1986 certified seed of 22 varieties
was produced in Idaho. Ninety-seven percent of the seed acreage
was dedicated to a single variety, Russet Burbank. In 1996, seed
of over 53 varieties were produced, and the acreage of Russet Burbank
had declined to 76 percent of the total. Seven percent of the seed
acreage (about 3400 acres) was planted to varieties released by
the Idaho breeding program. In 2005, only 63% of the Idaho potato
acreage was planted to Russet Burbank.
The most immediate
impact of these new varieties has been the expansion of market opportunities.
The new varieties have allowed growers to extend the marketing season,
as well as expand into new market areas including chip sales, and
red and specialty markets. The greatest impact of this research
will be felt in the future. The newest varieties emerging from the
breeding program combine disease and stress resistance with the
superior quality that will allow growers to produce a superior product
with less input.
For more information
contact: Jeffery C.
Stark
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