Ashley

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Sifra'

Summary: The stem of 'Ashley' has a low extent of anthocyanin colouration at the base while the stem of 'Sifra' has a low extent of anthocyanin colouration halfway up the stem. The inner side of the corolla of 'Ashley' has a medium to high extent and medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration while that of 'Sifra' has an absent or very low extent and absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration. The plants of 'Ashley' mature mid-season while the plants of 'Sifra' mature late in the season.

Description:

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

PLANT: intermediate type foliage structure where foliage is half opend and stems are partly visible, semi-upright growth habit, low frequency of flowers, matures mid-season

STEM: low extent of anthocyanin colouration at the base

LEAF: medium outline, openness is intermediate between closed and open, medium to strong presence of secondary leaflets, medium green upper side, low extent and 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 to large, leaflet is narrower than long
LEAFLET: weak degree of waviness of margin, shallow veins, medium glossiness on upper side, pubescence absent on blade at apical rosette

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

TUBER: round to short oval, white flesh
TUBER EYE: medium depth, yellow at base
TUBER SKIN: yellow, medium anthocyanin colouration in reaction to light

Origin & Breeding History: 'Ashley' (experimental designation KW08-10) originated from a cross conducted between 'Sifra', as the female parent, and 'Snowbird', as the male parent, at HZPC Research B.V. in Metslawier, Netherlands in 2006. 'Ashley' was selected from the F1 progeny in 2007 based on disease resistance, yield, tuber shape consistency and low instance of internal and external tuber defects.

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