Apache

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Miss Blush'

Summary: The size of the lightsprout of 'Apache' is medium to large whereas the lightsprout of 'Miss Blush' is small to medium size. In relation to the base, the tip of the lightsprout is small for 'Apache' whereas the tip of the lightsprout is of medium size for 'Miss Blush'. The plants of 'Apache' have a semi-upright growth habit whereas the plants of 'Miss Blush' have an upright growth habit. The outline of the leaf of 'Apache' is medium to large whereas the outline is small to medium size for 'Miss Blush'. The frequency of coalescence of the terminal and lateral leaflets of 'Apache' is absent or very low whereas the frequency of coalescence is medium to high for 'Miss Blush'. The frequency of inflorescences per plant is medium for 'Apache' whereas the frequency is absent or very low to low for 'Miss Blush'.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: medium to large, ovoid shape, few root tips, short to medium length lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, medium to high proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, medium to dense pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: small in relation to base, closed habit, medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration, medium density of pubescence

PLANT: foliage structure is intermediate type where foliage is half open and stems are partly visible, semi-upright growth habit, late maturity

STEM: high extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire length

LEAF: outline is medium to large, openness is intermediate between closed and open, medium to dark green on upper side, high extent and medium to strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration on upper side of midrib, medium presence of secondary leaflets, absent or very low frequency of coalescence of terminal and lateral leaflets
SECOND PAIR OF LATERAL LEAFLETS: large, leaflet is narrower than long
LEAFLET: weak waviness of margin, medium depth of veins, dull to medium glossiness of upper side, pubescent blade at apical rosette

INFLORESCENCE: medium frequency per plant, medium size
PEDUNCLE: high extent of anthocyanin colouration
FLOWER BUD: high extent of anthocyanin colouration
COROLLA: medium to large
COROLLA (INNER SIDE): high to very high extent of anthocyanin colouration, medium to strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or low proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration

TUBER: short oval to oval shape, medium yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: deep, yellow at base
TUBER SKIN: red parti-coloured, develops medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration in reaction to light

Origin & Breeding History: 'Apache' originated from the Old Fargie Potato Breeding Company Ltd. private breeding program in Perth, United Kingdom. It is the result of a hybridization conducted in 2003 between the variety 'Stoma' and a seedling of Solanum phureja. The seed from the cross was planted in a greenhouse in 2004 and the resulting tubers were planted in a field during the spring of 2005. 'Apache' was selected in 2005 for its agronomic characteristics and resistance to various diseases.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Apache' was conducted during the growing season of 2015 in Drummond, New Brunswick. The trial consisted of a single, 18.5 metre long row containing 60 plants spaced 0.3 metres apart for each variety. The distance between rows within the trial was 0.9 metres. Observations and measurements were taken from 10 plants, or 10 parts of plants, of each variety. Mean differences were significant at the 5% probability level based on a paired Student's t-test.

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Potato: 'Apache' (left) with reference variety 'Miss Blush' (right)