Varieties
- Superior (Solanum tuberosum)
ORIGIN: Selection
from a cross between B96-56 (also a parent of Kennebec) and M59.44
in 1951 and was tested as Wis AG29. Released by the University
of Wisconsin breeding program in 1962.
CHARACTERISTICS: A medium-early maturing variety with moderately
high yields. Plants are medium sized, erect to spreading. Stems
are reddish purple at the base and internodes, green at the nodes,
and
have prominent wings.
Plant size and growth habit are similar to those of
Irish Cobbler. Plant maturity is slightly later than Irish Cobbler.
Leaves are dull green and small with the terminal leaflet ovate to
round. Primary leaflets are arched symmetrical at the base; secondary
leaflets occur on the midrib between pairs of primary leaflets. Flowers
are pale pink-lilac with white tips and margins which gives a striped
effect. The variety sets open-pollinated fruit. Tubers are round
to oblong, slightly irregular with medium deep eyes and white flesh.
The skin is buff in color and has a tendency to form a light, flaky
net. Tubers are set deep on short stolons and separate readily from
the vines at early harvest dates. Tuber dormancy is similar to that
of Irish Cobbler and shorter than Atlantic.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: Superior
is the primary early fresh market variety in those areas shipping
directly to market from the field. Yield potential is moderately
high with minimum skinning due to harvesting and grading. This variety
is resistant to net necrosis and common scab; relatively resistant
to internal heat necrosis; susceptible to blackleg, fusarium, leaf
roll, viruses X and Y; and highly susceptible to Verticillium wilt.
Tubers are susceptible to pressure bruise in long-term storage, particularly
in bulk piles.
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