SUMMARY OF VEGETABLE VARIETY TRIALS FAIRBANKS, ALASKA 1980

Abstract

This report summarizes the vegetable variety evaluations of the Horticulture Department of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 1980. Variety trials were conducted at the Agricultural Experiment Station’s research farm. Additional potato variety trials were conducted at Delta Junction, Alaska. The objective of this research is to select varieties of vegetables that are adapted to this environment. It also identifies types whose adaptability may be improved through development of cultural techniques. The selection effort is directed at finding varieties useful to commercial and home-garden growers. Varieties are chosen for inclusion in the variety tests on the basis of their description, their latitiude of origin, and the record of the plant-breeding program for producing kinds that have previously been found adapted. Standard recommended varieties are included for comparison. In the past, the vegetable variety evaluation program has been responsible for a continuous improvement in yields, quality, and dependability for many vegetable crops. Our philosophy is to depend upon the many existing plant-breeding programs instead of investing in an expensive, on-site, plant-breeding program. Progress can be made more rapidly by selection than by breeding.