Poseidon

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Austin'

Summary: The base of the lightsprout of ‘Poseidon' is ovoid with very sparse to sparse pubescence while that of ‘Austin' is globose with sparse to a medium density of pubescence. The plants of ‘Poseidon' have many to very many inflorescences while those of ‘Austin' have medium to many inflorescences. The inner side of the corolla of ‘Poseidon' has a high extent of medium intensity anthocyanin colouration while that of ‘Austin' has a medium extent of weak intensity anthocyanin colouration. The plants of ‘Poseidon' are taller than those of ‘Austin'. The plants of ‘Poseidon' mature late to very late in the season while those of ‘Austin' mature mid-season. The tuber of ‘Poseidon' is oval to long oval with very shallow to shallow eyes while that of ‘Austin' is round to short oval with shallow to medium depth eyes. The tuber skin of ‘Poseidon' is yellow and of a smooth texture while that of ‘Austin' is light yellow brown and of a medium texture. The tuber of ‘Poseidon' has medium yellow flesh while that of ‘Austin' has light yellow flesh.

Description:

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

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

STEM: low to medium extent of anthocyanin colouration

LEAF: medium size, touching arrangement of leaflets, few secondary leaflets, medium green upper side, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration on upper side of midrib
SECOND PAIR OF LATERAL LEAFLETS: narrow in relation to length
TERMINAL AND LATERAL LEAFLETS: high frequency of coalescence

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

TUBER: oval to long-oval, medium yellow flesh
TUBER EYE: very shallow to shallow, yellow at base
TUBER SKIN: yellow, smooth

Origin & Breeding History: ‘Poseidon' (experimental designation ISP 6-1-09) originated from the cross between the lines ISP 3-10-01, as the female parent and ISP 23-3-02, as the male parent, conducted at the Interseed Potatoes GmbH breeding station in Wittmund, Germany in 2009. The new variety was designated ISP 6-1-09 in 2011 based on negative mass selection for agronomic characteristics including tuber shape, tuber skin colour as well as disease resistances.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for ‘Poseidon' 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. The mean differences were significant at the 5% confidence probability level based on a paired Student's t-test. 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.

Comparison table for 'Poseidon' with reference variety 'Austin'

Plant height (cm)

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Potato: ‘Poseidon' (left) with reference variety ‘Austin' (right)