SP326

Potato

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: 'Superior' and 'AC Chaleur'

Summary: The pubescence at the base of the lightsprout of 'SP326' is of sparse to medium density whereas it is absent or very sparse for the reference varieties. The intensity of anthocyanin colouration at the base of the lightsprout of 'SP326' is medium whereas it is absent or very weak for 'Superior'. The intensity of anthocyanin colouration at the tip of the lightsprout of 'SP326' is weak whereas it is absent or very weak for 'AC Chaleur'. The plants of 'SP326' mature mid to late season while those of 'Superior' mature early to mid-season. The anthocyanin colouration of the inner side of the corolla of 'SP326' is of absent or very low extent and absent or very weak intensity whereas the anthocyanin colouration of the inner side of the corolla of 'Superior' is of medium extent and weak to medium intensity. The tuber of 'SP326' has a round shape whereas the tuber of 'Superior' has a short oval shape and that of 'AC Chaleur' has an oval shape. The flesh of the tuber of 'SP326' is white whereas it is cream coloured for the reference varieties.

Description:

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

PLANT: upright to semi-upright growth habit, matures mid to late season

STEM: absent or very low extent of anthocyanin colouration
LEAF: small to medium sized outline, open, weak presence of secondary leaflets, medium green upper side, absent or very low extent of anthocyanin colouration of upper side of midrib, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration of upper side of midrib

PEDUNCLE: absent or very low extent of anthocyanin colouration
INFLORESCENCE: medium to high frequency per plant, medium size
COROLLA: medium size
COROLLA (INNER SIDE): absent or very low extent of anthocyanin colouration, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or low proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration

TUBER: round, white flesh
TUBER EYE: shallow depth, white at base
TUBER SKIN: light beige

Origin & Breeding History: 'SP326' resulted from the cross between 'Dakota Diamond', as the female parent, and 'NY115', as the male parent, conducted in Alliston, Ontario in 2011. Selections were asssessed in field trials from 2012 to 2020 whereby the plot size and number of replicates were increased each year. 'SP326' was identified in 2017. The selection criteria were based on the tuber uniformity, tuber shape, general appearance and skin colour.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'SP326' was conducted during the 2021 growing season at Sainte-Croix de Lotbinière, Quebec. The trial consisted of 4 replicates, a total of 68 plants per variety, grown in 5 metre length rows spaced 91.5 cm apart. The plants were spaced 30 cm apart within the row. The measurements were taken from 10 plants, or parts of 10 plants, of each variety.

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Potato: 'SP326' (left) with reference varieties 'AC Chaleur' (centre) and 'Superior' (right)

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Potato: 'SP326' (left) with reference variety 'Superior' (right)