Gerona

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Maggie'

Summary: The base of the lightsprout of 'Gerona' has a medium density of pubescence whereas that of 'Maggie' has dense pubescence. The lightsprout of 'Gerona' has a medium number of root tips whereas the lightsprout of 'Maggie' has many root tips. The stem of 'Gerona' has a medium extent of anthocyanin colouration halfway up the stem while the stem of 'Maggie' has an absent or very low extent of anthocyanin colouration along the entire stem. The plants of 'Gerona' have a medium to high frequency of flowers whereas those of 'Maggie' have an absent or very low to low frequency of flowers.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: large, broad cylindrical, medium number of root tips, short lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: medium to strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, medium proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, medium density of pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: small size in relation to base, intermediate habit, absent or very weak 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, upright to semi-upright growth habit, medium to high frequency of flowers, matures late in the season

STEM: medium extent of anthocyanin colouration halfway up the stem

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

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

TUBER: short oval, medium yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: shallow, yellow at base
TUBER SKIN: light beige, absent or very weak to weak anthocyanin colouration in reaction to light

Origin & Breeding History: 'Gerona' (experiment number BS 1042 17) originated from the cross between 'Belana' as the female parent and 'Gala' as the male parent, conducted at the Schaap Holland and Wilhelm Weuthen breeding station in Biddinguizen, Netherlands in 2010. One of the resulting progeny was selected and designated BS 1042 17 in 2012 based on tuber shape, tuber number, yield and disease resistance.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Gerona' was conducted by Global Agri Services Inc. in Central Blissville, New Brunswick during the 2023 growing season. The field trial consisted of a single 15.2 metre long row per variety. Rows were spaced 1.1 metres apart with each row containing 65 plants spaced 0.23 metres apart. 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: 'Gerona' (left) with reference variety 'Maggie' (right)

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Potato: 'Gerona' (left) with reference variety 'Maggie' (right)