Bergerac

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'All Blue'

Summary: The lightsprout of 'Bergerac' is large in size and narrow cylindrical in shape whereas that of 'All Blue' is small to medium sized and spherical. In relation to the base, the tip of the lightsprout of 'Bergerac' is small whereas that of 'All Blue' is medium sized. The stem of 'Bergerac' has a very high extent of anthocyanin colouration while that of 'All Blue' has a high extent of anthocyanin colouration. The leaf of 'Bergerac' has a medium sized outline while that of 'All Blue' has a large outline. The inner side of the corolla of 'Bergerac' has a medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration while that of 'All Blue' has a strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration. The tubers of 'Bergerac' have a very long shape whereas those of 'All Blue' are long-oval.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: large, narrow cylindrical, medium to many root tips, short lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: very strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, high proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, absent or very sparse pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: small in relation to base, closed habit, very strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, medium density 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: very high extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire stem

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

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

TUBER: very long shape, blue flesh
TUBER EYE: depth ranging from medium to deep, blue at base
TUBER SKIN: blue

Origin & Breeding History: 'Bergerac' (experimental designation BH 03-10) originated from a hybridization conducted at the Maatschap Aardappelkweekberdijf Boerhave VOF breeding station in Elburg, Netherlands in 2002. The cross was made between the varieties 'Vitelotte Noir', as the female parent, and 'BH 98-180', as the male parent. Seed from the cross was planted in the greenhouse in 2003. The resulting tubers were harvested and planted in the field in Elburg, Netherlands in the spring of 2004. The new variety was selected from the progeny in 2004 based on its agronomic characteristics and resistance to various diseases.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Bergerac' was conducted by Global Agri Services Inc. in Central Blissville, New Brunswick during the 2022 growing season. The field trial consisted of a single, 22 metre long row per variety. Each row contained 70 plants spaced 0.3 metres apart with inter-row spacing of 1.1 metres. Measurements were taken from 10 plants, or 10 parts of plants, of each variety. The mean difference was significant at the 5% probability level based on a paired Student's t-test. 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: 'Bergerac' (left) with reference variety 'All Blue' (right)