Potatoes in Canada

Features Agronomy Traits and Genetics
New varieties on display in Brooks

Sept. 2, 2014, Alberta –  Dr. Michele Konschuh, along with staff from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, presented 13 fresh selections, 14 chip and starch selections, and 17 French fry selections as part of their Potato Research Program demonstration held on Aug. 27 in Brooks, Alta., at the Crop Diversification Centre South (CDC South).

Other varieties on display included mini tubers grown conventionally, compared to the greenhouse aeroponics program, part of a Potato Growers of Alberta and affiliates-funded research project.

The day was an opportunity for growers and industry to view how the new varieties perform and their yield, based on a 10-hill dig. The overall objective of this variety development program are to foster increased production efficiency and competitiveness in the potato industry in Alberta. 

Approximately 20 per cent of the trials this year are being conducted in small plots at CDC South, with the remainder conducted off site at the Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre in Lethbridge. It is easier to control experimental parameters in small plot trials, but the Lethbridge site allows for pivot irrigation, commercial field scouting and additional technical assistance. 

 

September 2, 2014  By Potatoes in Canada



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