Elmo

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Red Pontiac'

Summary: The size of the lightsprout of 'Elmo' is large whereas the size of the lightsprout of 'Red Pontiac' is medium size. The shape of the lightsprout of 'Elmo' is broad cylindrical whereas the shape of the lightsprout of 'Red Pontiac' is spherical. The plants of 'Elmo' are shorter than the plants of 'Red Pontiac'. The upper side of the leaf of 'Elmo' is light green whereas the upper side of the leaf of 'Red Pontiac' is dark green. The shape of the tuber of 'Elmo' is short oval whereas the shape of the tuber of 'Red Pontiac' is round.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: large, broad cylindrical shape, medium to many root tips, short lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or low proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, dense pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: small in relation to base, intermediate habit, strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, dense pubescence

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

STEM: low extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire stem

LEAF: medium outline size, openness is intermediate between closed and open, light green on upper side, medium extent and intensity of anthocyanin colouration of 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: leaflet is medium sized and narrower than long
LEAFLET: weak to medium amount of waviness of margin, shallow to medium depth of veins, dull upper side, glabrous blade at apical rosette

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

TUBER: short oval shape, white flesh
TUBER EYE: medium depth, red at base
TUBER SKIN: red

Origin & Breeding History: 'Elmo' originated from a cross conducted in 2006 between 'Parella' and 'Dakota Rose' at HZPC Research and Development, in Metslawier, Netherlands. 'Elmo' was selected in 2007 for its yield, internal and external quality, and resistance against different diseases and pests.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Elmo' was conducted by Global Agri Services Inc. during the growing season of 2016 in Drummond, New Brunswick. The trial consisted of a single, 19.5 metre long row containing 65 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.

Comparison table for 'Elmo' with reference variety 'Red Pontiac'

Plant height (cm)

Click on image for larger view

Potato: 'Elmo' (left) with reference variety 'Red Pontiac' (right)