Torino

Potato

Note: The applicant has requested an exemption from compulsory licensing to allow time to multiply and distribute propagating material of the variety. If the exemption is granted, it may be allowed for two years from the date rights are granted for the variety.

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Cristina'

Summary: The shape of the lightsprout of 'Torino' is ovoid while that of 'Cristina' is spherical. The base of the lightsprout of 'Torino' has a medium density of pubescence while that of 'Cristina' has absent or very sparse pubescence. The tip of the lightsprout of 'Torino' is small in relation to the base while that of 'Cristina' is medium in size in relation to the base. The plants of 'Torino' have a high frequency of flowers while the plants of 'Cristina' have a low frequency of flowers. The base of the eye on the tuber of 'Torino' is red while the base of the eye on the tuber of 'Cristina' is yellow. The tuber of 'Torino' has light to medium yellow flesh while the tuber of 'Cristina' has cream coloured flesh.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: small to medium sized, ovoid, few root tips, short lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, medium proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, medium density of pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: small in relation to base, closed habit, medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or very sparse to sparse pubescence

PLANT: intermediate type foliage structure where foliage is half open and stems are partly visible, semi-upright growth habit, high frequency of flowers, matures late in the season

STEM: medium to high extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire stem

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

PEDUNCLE: high extent of anthocyanin colouration
INFLORESCENCE: medium sized
FLOWER BUD: high extent of anthocyanin colouration
COROLLA: medium to large
COROLLA (INNER SIDE): high extent and high intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or low proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration

TUBER: short oval to oval, light to medium yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: shallow to medium depth, red at base
TUBER SKIN: red

Origin & Breeding History: 'Torino' (experimental designation T3537/2) originated from a cross conducted between 'Cornado', as the female parent, and 'Rooster', as the male parent, in the Teagasc breeding program in Carlow, Ireland in 1999. Seed from the cross was grown in a greenhouse in 2000 with resulting tubers planted in the field at the Teagasc Breeding Station in Carlow, Ireland in 2001. T3537/2 was selected in 2001 based on maturity, disease resistance, yield, tuber skin texture and tuber skin and flesh colour.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Torino' was conducted by Global Agri Services Inc. during the 2021 growing season in Central Blissville, New Brunswick. The field trial consisted of a single, 20 metre long row per variety. Each row contained 65 plants spaced 0.3 metres apart with an inter-row spacing of 1.1 metres. Measurements were taken from 10 plants, or 10 parts of plants, of each variety. Lightsprout characteristics were assessed on 10 tubers harvested from the comparative trial and observed approximately 2.5 to 3 months after sprouting was promoted by exposing the tubers to an external agent.

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Potato: 'Torino' (left) with reference variety 'Cristina' (right)