Performance of 127 Potato Varieties in Alaska, 1951-1959

Abstract

Potato varieties familiar to growers in other states behave differently when grown in this northern region. Geologically young soils, low soil temperatures, low moisture and many hours of daylight during the growing season provide an environment different from that in which many potato varieties were originally evaluated. The purpose of this bulletin is to show how potato varieties respond when grown in Alaska. It also describes and illustrates desirable and undesirable features of those varieties evaluated in Alaska. Of 127 varieties grown in the Matanuska and Tanana* valleys, only six are reooiiiD8nded. Two of these were developed especially for Alaska. Three other special purpose potatoes are also described. A condition unique to Alaska is its relative freedom from insects and diseases. Because of this nearly pest-tree environment, pesticide foliage sprays and dusts have not been used. Abnormalities of potato tops and tubers have been a response to local environmental conditions or to viruses contained in the seed pieces. Although vine growth habits are important, little mention is made of them. Vines of most imported patatoes conform quite well to descriptions published when a particular potato was originally introduced. The vine characteristics of healthy plants have been very uniform within varieties. Disease response is mentioned only when a variety shows marked resistance or susceptibility.