POTATO VARIETY PERFORMANCE IN THE MATANUSKA VALLEY 1982, 1983, 1984

Abstract

A program of field research relating to the commercial production o f potatoes was initiated in 1982 at the University of Alaska Agricultural Experiment Station ’s research center in Palmer. T he experimental fields are located at the Matanuska Research Farm on Trunk Road near Palmer. This program is a modified continuation of a potato research program initiated more than 30 years ago by D r. C .H . Dearborn. Whereas the major emphasis of D r. Dearborn ’s potato program w as variety development and testing, the major emphasis here is study o f general cultural practices, disease development and control, and the comparative evaluation (yield trials) o f potato varieties having commercial potential. Plans call for the comparative evaluation of thirty to forty named varieties or numbered selections each year. Varieties are selected for testing on the basis o f yield potential, general quality characteristics, and disease resistance. An attempt is made to include all varieties grow n commercially in the state, newly developed varieties from breeding program s in the U .S ., Canada, and elsewhere, as well as established varieties that have yet to be thoroughly tested in this environment. Commercial varieties with locally proven “ track record s ," such as Alaska 114, Bakeking, Green Mountain, and Superior will serve as a comparative base for m ore recently introduced varieites. New varieties will be tested for 4-5 years before being dropped , kept for further study, or recommended to commercial growers. Summarized in this circular are the results o f three years o f variety trials (1982, ’83, and ’84). Also included are summaries of environmental conditions at or near the experimental test site and some detailed information about several locally grown commercial varieties.