Francis

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Agata'

Summary: The base of the lightsprout of ‘Francis' is ovoid while that of ‘Agata' is broad cylindrical. The base of the lightsprout of ‘Francis' has a very strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration with a medium proportion of blue while that of ‘Agata' has a weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration with an absent or low proportion of blue. The lightsprout apex of ‘Francis' has a strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration while that of ‘Agata' has an absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration. The lightsprout of ‘Francis' has few root tips while that of ‘Agata' has a medium number of root tips. The plants of ‘Francis' have an upright to semi-upright growth habit while those of ‘Agata' have a semi-upright to spreading growth habit. The plants of ‘Francis' have a medium number of inflorescences while those of ‘Agata' have very few to few inflorescences. The plants of ‘Francis' mature late to very late in the season while those of ‘Agata' mature early to mid-season. The tuber of ‘Francis' is long oval while that of ‘Agata' is oval.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: medium to large, few root tips, short lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: ovoid, very strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, medium proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, sparse to medium density of pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT APEX: small in relation to base, closed habit, strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, very sparse to sparse pubescence

PLANT: foliage structure is intermediate type where foliage is half open and stems are partly visible, upright to semi-upright growth habit, medium number of inflorescences, matures late to very late in the season

STEM: very low to low extent of anthocyanin colouration

LEAF: medium to large, touching to free arrangement of leaflets, medium number of secondary leaflets, medium green upper side, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration on upper side of midrib
SECOND PAIR OF LATERAL LEAFLETS: medium width in relation to length
TERMINAL AND LATERAL LEAFLETS: low frequency of coalescence

INFLORESCENCE: small
PEDUNCLE: absent or very low extent of anthocyanin colouration
FLOWER BUD: weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration
COROLLA: medium size diameter
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: long oval, light yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: very shallow, yellow at base
TUBER SKIN: yellow, smooth texture

Origin & Breeding History: 'Francis' (experimental designation ISP 7-3-10) originated from the cross between the variety ‘Action', as the female parent, and the breeding line ISP 14-15-03, as the male parent, conducted at the Interseed Potatoes GmbH breeding station in Wittmund, Germany in 2010. The new variety was designated ISP 7-3-10 in 2012 based on negative mass selection criteria including tuber shape, tuber skin colour and disease resistances.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Francis' was conducted by Global Agri Services Inc. in Central Blissville, New Brunswick during the 2025 growing season. The field trial consisted of a single 16-metre-long row for each variety, with rows spaced 1.1 metres apart. Each row contained 70 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: ‘Francis' (left) with reference variety ‘Agata' (right)