Libero

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Yukon Nugget'

Summary: The base of the lightsprout of 'Libero' has dense pubescence whereas that of 'Yukon Nugget' has a sparse to medium density of pubescence. The lightsprout tip of 'Libero' has an absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration with an absent or very sparse to sparse pubescence whereas that of 'Yukon Nugget' has a strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration with dense pubescence. The leaf of 'Libero' is open whereas the leaf of 'Yukon Nugget' has an intermediate openness. The second pair of lateral leaflets of 'Libero' are medium sized whereas that of 'Yukon Nugget' are large. The leaflet of 'Libero' has a strong degree of waviness of margin whereas that of 'Yukon Nugget' has a weak degree of waviness of margin. The colour at the base of the eye of the tuber of 'Libero' is yellow whereas it is red for 'Yukon Nugget'.

Description:

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

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

STEM: low extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire stem

LEAF: medium sized outline, open, medium to strong presence of secondary leaflets, medium green on upper side, absent or very low extent and absent or very weak 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 sized, leaflet is narrower than long
LEAFLET: strong degree of waviness of margin, medium depth of veins, dull glossiness on upper side, pubescence present on blade at apical rosette

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

TUBER: oval to long oval, light yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: shallow to medium depth, yellow at base
TUBER SKIN: reddish brown

Origin & Breeding History: 'Libero' (experimental designation SW 06-0041) originated from a cross between AR 98-0813, as the female parent, and 'Innovator', as the male parent, conducted in 2005 at Lantmannen SW Seed B.V. breeding program in Emmeloord, Netherlands. In 2006, the seed resulting from the cross was sown in the greenhouse. The resulting tubers were harvested and planted in the field in 2007 in Emmeloord, Netherlands. 'Libero' was selected in 2007 based on negative mass selection for agronomic characteristics and disease resistance.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Libero' was conducted by Global Agri Services Inc. during the 2019 growing season in Drummond, New Brunswick. The trial consisted of a single, 21 metre long row per variety. Each row contained 70 plants spaced 0.3 metres apart with an inter-row spacing of 0.9 metres.

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Potato: 'Libero' (left) with reference variety 'Yukon Nugget' (right)