Little Giant

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Cecile'

Summary: The lightsprout of 'Little Giant' is medium size and ovoid in shape whereas the lightsprout of 'Cecile' is large and broad cylindrical in shape. The plants of 'Little Giant' are shorter than the plants of 'Cecile'. 'Little Giant' has a high frequency of coalescence of the terminal and lateral leaflets whereas 'Cecile' has a low frequency of coalescence of the terminal and lateral leaflets.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: medium size, ovoid shape, many root tips, short lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: very strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or low to medium proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, dense to very dense pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: medium size in relation to base, intermediate between closed and open habit, medium to strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, medium density of pubescence

PLANT: foliage structure is leaf type where foliage is closed and stems are not or hardly visible, semi-upright growth habit, matures mid-season

STEM: high extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire stem

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

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

TUBER: long shape, medium yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: shallow, red at base
TUBER SKIN: red

Origin & Breeding History: 'Little Giant' (experimental number 'BRS07-283') originated from a cross between 'BRS96-164' and 'BRS03-57' conducted in 2007 in Kraggenburg, Netherlands. 'Little Giant' was selected in 2009 for its positive agronomic characteristics and resistance to diseases.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Little Giant' 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 'Little Giant' with reference variety 'Cecile'

Plant height

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Potato: 'Little Giant' (left) with reference variety 'Cecile' (right)