Merlot

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Norland'

Summary: The size of the lightsprout of 'Merlot' is medium whereas the lightsprout of 'Norland' is large. The pubescence of the base of the lightsprout is medium to dense for 'Merlot' whereas the pubescence is sparse to medium dense for 'Norland'. The habit of the tip of the lightsprout of 'Merlot' is closed whereas the tip of the lightsprout of 'Norland' is open. The extent of anthocyanin colouration of the stem of 'Merlot' is high whereas the extent is low for 'Norland'. The frequency of coalescence of the terminal and lateral leaflets of 'Merlot' is low whereas the frequency of coalescence is absent or very low for 'Norland'. The extent of anthocyanin colouration of the peduncle of 'Merlot' is high whereas the extent is low to medium for 'Norland'. The time of maturity of the plants of 'Merlot' is late whereas the plants of 'Norland' mature early. The shape of the tuber of 'Merlot' is oval whereas the shape of the tuber is short oval for 'Norland'. The colour of the tuber flesh of 'Merlot' is medium to dark yellow whereas the tuber flesh of 'Norland' is white.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: medium size, ovoid shape, medium number of root tips, short to medium length lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or low to medium proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, medium to dense pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: medium size in relation to base, closed habit, strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, sparse to medium density of pubescence

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

STEM: high extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire length

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

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

TUBER: oval shape, medium to dark yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: shallow, red at base
TUBER SKIN: red

Origin & Breeding History: 'Merlot' originated from the Noriko breeding program in Gross Lüsewitz, Germany. It is the result of a hybridization conducted in 2002 between the varieties 'Exempla' and 'Romanze'. The seed from the cross was planted in a greenhouse in 2003 and the resulting tubers were planted in the field in 2004. 'Merlot' was selected in 2004 for its agronomic characteristics and resistance to various diseases.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Merlot' 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: 'Merlot' (left) with reference variety 'Norland' (right)