Annual/Termination Reports:

[03/30/2003] [11/29/2004] [05/01/2005] [03/06/2006]

Report Information

Participants

Christ, Barb (ebf@psu.edu) Penn State; Clough, Mark ( ) NC State; De Jong, Walter (wsd2@cornell.edu) Cornell; DeKoeyer, David (dekoeyerd@agr.gc.ca) Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canada; Ganga, Zenaida (Zenaida_Ganga@umit.maine.edu)U Maine; Halseth, Don (deh3@cornell.edu) Cornell; Hammond, Dave ( ) Lamb Weston; Haynes, Kathy (haynesk@ba.ars.usda.gov) USDA-ARS; Henninger, Mel (henninger@aesop.rutgers.edu) Rutgers; Hutchinson, Chad (CMHutchinson@mail.ifas.ufl.edu) U Florida; Kleinhenz, Matt (kleinhenz.1@osu.edu) Ohio State; Porter, Greg (porter@maine.edu) U Maine; Reiling, Stephen (reiling@maine.edu) U Maine; Sterrett, Rikki (vators@vt.edu) VA Tech; Veilleux, Richard (potato@vt.edu) VA Tech; Yencho, Craig (Craig_Yencho@NCSU.edu) NC State

Brief Summary of Minutes

New project number. This project has a new number. Formerly NE-107, then NE-184, the project now uses the code NE-1014.



Introductions. Visitor Dave Hammond (Lamb Weston, WA) and Stephen Reiling, our new NE-1014 Project Administrative Advisor, were especially welcomed. A moment of silence was held for D. MacKenzie, our former Administrative Advisor, who served the national and international potato community in many capacities for many years; he passed away in 2002.



State, Federal, and Provincial site reports for 2002: highlights. D. De Koeyer  Bacterial Ring Rot testing will enable NE-1014 materials to be imported into New Brunswick after 2007, allowing trials of NE-1014 clones to resume in Eastern Canada. C. Hutchinson  Hastings Res. Stn. is now officially closed. G. Porter  anticipated processing expansion in Maine is currently on hold. D. Halseth  nematologist Bill Brodie recently retired after 47 years of service. C. Yencho  Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) was detected for the 1st time in NC at very high levels; impact on yield unclear; Atlantic was one of the most susceptible varieties.



Comments from industry representatives. Dave Hammond shared his impressions from Washington; the industry in the west is increasingly interested in diversifying from french fries only. Examples of this included new mashed products, new reds with skins products, wedge products, and yellow-fleshed products.



Pathology test reports. B. Christ has powdery scab collections dating back to 1992 and they are using PCR primers to detect potato mop top virus (PMTV) in these samples. To date, all samples testing negative. They are also conducting studies to determine host range of PMTV.



Breeding reports. W. De Jong  current focus is on development of lines with resistance to race Ro2 of the golden cyst nematode. NY112 was released as Marcy in 2002. K. Haynes  B0564-8 being released as Harley Blackwell; release note currently circulating. B0766-3 to be released in 2003. Z. Ganga  started in August 2002; last few months spent learning about program; four promising clones; focus of program is on processing types. C. Yencho  NC continues to collaborate with USDA-ARS, Cornell and UM on early generation selection projects and is making a limited number of crosses.



Seed orders. G. Porter  all NE-1014 clones tested negative for PMTV.



Web-site development. D. Halseth commended for his work on the site. Possible items to be added - Annual Reports, USDA-ARS Germplasm Report, non-technical items of interest (e.g. "Whats Looking Good"  a link to new numbered clones and newly released varieties).



Site Selection for 2004 Meeting  Portland, ME. Host: G. Porter.



Next years Executive Committee. Walter De Jong, Chair; Craig Yencho, Vice-chair; Zenaida Ganga, secretary.



Meeting adjourned 6:15 PM, January 20, 2003.

Accomplishments

NE1014 seeks: 1) to use traditional and molecular breeding approaches to develop enhanced germplasm relevant for meeting potato production constraints in the Northeast 2) to use the improved germplasm to develop high quality, pest resistant potato varieties suitable for processing and freshmarket use and 3) to identify and quantify environmental and cultural effects that influence variety performance.<br /> <br><br /> <br>In 2002 Northeastern potato breeding programs at the University of Maine, Cornell University, USDA-ARS in Beltsville, and North Carolina State University made crosses between parents with complementary traits, to combine traits such as high dry matter  important for chip processing  with resistance to common scab, or red skin color with resistance to the golden cyst nematode. 100,000 seedlings were grown to generate tubers for evaluation in the field in following years. Selections were made from field plots to identify clones worthy of more intensive evaluation (e.g. replicated yield trials) in following years. Twenty-one advanced clones were submitted to the University of Maine Seed farm for the first time, to produce disease free seed for trials in 2003 and beyond. Twenty-four advanced clones, as well as several check varieties, were distributed for regional evaluation in 2002. The clones were evaluated for a wide range of characteristics, including yield, disease susceptibility, appearance, and processing quality, in eight States (ME, NY, PA, OH, NC, NJ, FL, VA) and one province (Que), that span a remarkably wide range of production environments. The performance of these clones was critically discussed at the annual meeting (Raleigh, NC; Jan. 20, 2003). The breeders used this feedback to help make their annual decisions on which clones to continue to evaluate, and which clones to drop. One widely adapted potato clone was released as a new variety in 2002. Marcy, which had been tested as NY112, was released by the Cornell breeding program. Marcy is a high yielding chipping clone with resistance to common scab and the golden cyst nematode. To facilitate dissemination of NE-1014 project results, construction of a web site (www.hort.cornell.edu/potato) began late in the year. It is anticipated that this web site will eventually become one of the primary means of disseminating detailed project data to interested stakeholders.<br /> <br><br /> <br>The clone B0564-8, developed by the USDA-ARS program in Beltsville MD, will be released as the variety Harley Blackwell in 2003. Harley Blackwell is an attractive, round-white potato with netted skin. Although intended primarily for chipping, it may also be suitable for fresh market use. In NC, it has produced marketable yields averaging 108% of current industry standard, Atlantic. Unlike Atlantic, Harley Blackwell does not suffer from internal heat necrosis in the mid- and south-Atlantic states.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Monticello (formerly NY102), a new storage chipping variety, will also be released during 2003. Maine growers produced over 100 acres of Monticello for chipping and 20 acres for seed during each of the past two years with generally good results.<br /> <br><br /> <br>A new french fry line, AF1753-16, was commercially tested during each of the last two years and the University of Maine is in the process of releasing it for commercialization. Growers and processors have been very impressed with the yield and quality of this line and see it as a potential replacement for Shepody, the standard early-season french fry variety.

Publications

Christ, B.J., K.G. Haynes, and B.T. Vinyard. 2002. Inheritance of early blight resistance from open-pollinated 4x-2x potato hybrids. Am J Potato Res 79:403-410.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Haynes, K.G., G.A. Porter, B.J. Christ, R.W. Goth, K.O. DeLong, D.E. Halseth, J.B. Sieczka, M.R. Henninger, S.B. Sterrett, G.C. Yencho, and R.E. Webb. 2001. Amey: A multi-purpose, russet-skinned cultivar for baking and specialty markets. Am J Potato Res 78:175-182 <br /> <br><br /> <br>Haynes, K.G., B.J. Christ, D.P. Weingartner, D.S. Douches, C.A. Thill, G. Secor, W.E. Fry, and D.H. Lambert. 2002. Foliar resistance to late blight in potato clones evaluated in national trials in 1997. Amer. J. Potato Res. 79:451-457.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Porter, G.A. 2002. Eastern regional potato trials - 2000. 71st National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 2000, K. G. Haynes, editor . 71:20-31.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Porter, G.A., J.A. Sisson, P. Ocaya, B. MacFarline, and P. Wardwell. 2002. Maine potato variety trials - 2000. 71st National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 2000, K. G. Haynes, editor . 71:144-166<br /> <br><br /> <br>Porter, G.A., J.A. Sisson, P. Wardwell, B. Plummer, and B. MacFarline. 2002. Potato variety trials in Maine - 2002. PSE Departmental Mimeo 2002-02.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Sisson, J.A., G.A. Porter, H. DeJong, T.R. Tarn, G.C. Yencho, M.R. Henninger, J.B. Sieczka, D.E. Halseth, M. Kleinhenz, B.J. Christ, S.B. Sterrett, P. Turcotte, D. Lambert, P. Scott, W.J. Arsenault, P. Boswall, D.P. Weingartner, and J.M. White. 2002. Performance evaluations of potato clones and varieties in the Northeastern states  1999. MAFES Misc Public #751. 130 pp.

Impact Statements

1. Of the 36 varieties grown on more than 20 acres by Maine seed growers during 2002, 12 were recent introductions first tested in Maine as part of the NE184 project (including Reba, 621 acres; Andover, 392 acres; Kanona, 190 acres; Pike, 173 acres; Eva, 100 acres; Goldrush, 60 acres; Mainestay, 51 acres; Sante, 41 acres; Monticello, 40 acres; Gem Russet, 39 acres; NorDonna, 37 acres; and NorValley, 20 acres). Older introductions from the regional variety project (e.g. Atlantic) remain important.
2. The Cornell program has developed a molecular genetic assay to measure dosage of one of the two genes required for red skin color. This assay will make it possible to identify parents with higher dosage; such parents transmit the gene at higher frequency to their offspring.
3. A widely adapted, high yielding chipping potato variety (Marcy) with multiple disease resistances was released in 2002. This, as well as previous varieties developed by the project, help to keep the regional industry competitive, as well as reduce the use of environmentally-undeisrable pesticides.

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Report Information

Participants

Craig Yencho, (NCSU, NC); Matt Kleinhenz (OSU, OH); Chad Hutchinson (UF, FL); J. Marion White (UF, FL); Kathy Haynes (USDA-ARS, Beltsville-MD); Leslie Wanner (USDA-ARS, Beltsville-MD); Barbara Christ (PSU, PA); Donald Halseth (CU, NY); Susan B. Sterrett (VA Tech, VA); Mel Henninger (Rutgers, NJ); Dave Lambert (UM, ME); Greg Porter (UM, ME); Steve Reiling (UM, ME); Zenaida Ganga (UM, ME); Paul Ocaya (UM, ME); David DeKoeyer (Ag. Canada, NB-Canada)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

The NE1014 Regional potato variety development project addresses the needs of the eastern potato industry through a coordinated process of potato breeding, selection, evaluation, and variety development. The project includes potato breeding and germplasm improvement within four U.S. programs (Maine, New York, North Carolina, and USDA-ARS-Beltsville) and a coordinated process of evaluation, and variety development that takes place within eight eastern states (ME, NY, PA, OH, NC, NJ, FL, VA). Specific objectives of the NE1014 project are: 1) to use traditional and molecular breeding approaches to develop enhanced germplasm relevant for meeting potato production constraints in the Northeast; 2) to utilize the improved germplasm to develop high quality, pest resistant potato varieties suitable for processing and fresh-market use; and 3) to identify and quantify environmental and cultural effects that influence variety performance. This research contributes to the development of a more economically and ecologically sustainable potato production system in the mid-Atlantic and SE US.<br /> <br /> <br /> In 2003, Northeastern potato breeding programs at the University of Maine, Cornell University, USDA-ARS in Beltsville, and North Carolina State University made crosses between parents with complementary traits, to combine traits such as high dry matter content (important for chip and French fry processing) with resistance to common scab, or red skin color with resistance to the golden cyst nematode. Collectively, over 150,000 seedlings were grown to generate seedling tubers for evaluation. Selections were made from field plots to identify clones worthy of more intensive evaluation in following years in each site as well as in several regional sites. Twenty-four advanced clones, as well as several check varieties, were distributed for the NE-1014 regional evaluation project in 2003. The clones were evaluated for a wide range of characteristics, including yield, disease susceptibility, appearance, and processing quality, in eight states (ME, NY, PA, OH, NC, NJ, FL, VA) and in Canada. The performance of these clones was critically discussed at the annual meeting (Portland, ME; Jan. 21, 2004). Breeders used this feedback to help make their annual decisions on which clones to continue to evaluate, and which clones to drop. <br /> <br /> <br /> Promising new clones from UM include AF 1753-16, a processing clone good for French fry production that was licensed to McCain Foods in the spring of 2003. To date, growers and processors have been very impressed with the yield and quality of this line. They see it as a potential replacement for Shepody, the standard early-season French fry variety. Other promising UM clones include: AF1424-7, AF 1455-20, AF 1758-7 and AF 1808-18. AF1424-7 was included in the 2003 National Snack Food Association chip trials and a new promising chipper clone, AF 2211-9 was entered for testing starting next year.<br /> <br /> <br /> B0564-8 from the USDA-ARS was released as Harley Blackwell during 2003 and was evaluated in several large-scale commercial trials in (NC, NJ, VA and PA) during the same year. Harley Blackwell is an attractive, round-white potato with netted skin. Although intended primarily for chipping, it may also be suitable for fresh market use. In NC, it has produced marketable yields averaging 108% of current industry standard, Atlantic. Unlike Atlantic, Harley Blackwell does not suffer from internal heat necrosis in the mid- and south-Atlantic states. Additional promising clones from the USDA-ARS program available for regional testing were: B0766-3 which undergoing commercial testing and is nearing release as a chipping variety; and B1240-1, B1806-8, and B1826-1. <br /> <br /> <br /> Cornell has 12 advanced clones under consideration. NY112 was released as Marcy in 2002/2003 and NY102 was released as Monticello in 2003. Marcy is a high yielding chipping clone with resistance to common scab and the golden cyst nematode. During 2002/2003, Maine growers produced over 100 acres of Monticello for chipping. It performed well and is particularly valuable because it holds its color through long-term storage.. <br /> <br /> <br /> To address the IHN problems endemic to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states, VA, NJ and NC initiated a collaborative IHN project with the USDA-ARS. During 2001 to 2003, 35 clones representing the IHN-resistant and IHN-susceptible clones from a set of 4x-2x S. tuberosum x S. phureja -S. stenotomum (tub x phu-stn) hybrids were compared with Atlantic as an IHN-susceptible check in field trials. Several clones in this population had significantly higher in specific gravity and less IHN than Atlantic. The majority of these clones were stable both before and after removal of environmental heterogeneity. Of these, 10 chipped acceptably out of 10oC. These hybrids will expand the genetic base for new high specific gravity chipping varieties that are free from IHN.<br /> <br /> <br /> Horticultural evaluations of advanced and preliminary clones were conducted in all participating states (# trial sites, # advanced breeding lines): FL (1, 35); ME (3, 205); NC (5, 197); NJ (2, 257); NY (5, 166); OH (1, 111); PA (5, 216) and VA (1, 72). These trials provide essential information on yield, internal and external tuber defects, size distribution, appearance, and general resistance to pests and physiological disorders. For example, of 197 first-time lines in NJ 147 had no IHN and 113 had no IHN or hollow heart, and 19 were advanced into replicated trials during 2004. In addition, chip quality from the field (NC, NJ, VA) or storage (ME, NY, OH, PA), French fry tests and culinary tests are conducted by cooperators. The most promising lines identified in the eight-state eastern trials (FL, ME, NJ, NC, NY, OH, PA, and VA) are introduced into commercial trials as soon as seed supplies can be increased. In OH, positive agronomic performance led a total of 38 experimental and advanced selections from all project breeding programs to be forwarded to strict tests of after-storage chip quality at the Pilot Plant of the Food Industries Center at OSU. Overall chip quality in approximately 10% of the selections equaled or exceeded that of industry standards.<br /> <br /> <br /> Management experiments were also conducted to refine recommendations for the most promising candidates for commercial trials. In ME, an experiment was conducted to determine whether candidate lines are tolerant to commonly-used herbicides. One displayed extreme sensitivity to metribuzin. Another experiment compared AF1753-16 to Shepody (the established early-season, French fry variety) at several harvest dates and plant spacings. AF1753-16 was superior to Shepody at all harvests. Yield and quality were best at the narrowest in-row spacing (10 inches) for all but the earliest harvest date. ME is currently conducting N fertility trials with AF1753-16. NJ management studies provided information on NY112 (Marcy)s response to in-row spacing and N fertilizer. Marketable yield increased with narrower in-row spacing (e.g. 519 cwt/A at 7" versus 466 cwt/A at 12"). Increasing marketable yield was observed as N rate was increased to 150-200 lbs/A. Advanced NY lines are routinely tested at various spacings, nitrogen rates, and/or storage temperatures. The impact of nitrogen, harvest date and handling on glycoalkaloid levels in Atlantic, Marcy and Snowden was studied for two seasons.<br /> <br /> <br /> To facilitate dissemination of NE-1014 project results, construction of a web site (www.hort.cornell.edu/potato) began late in 2002 and continued during 2003, but funding constraints have impeded progress toward this goal. It is anticipated that this web site will eventually become one of the primary means of disseminating detailed project data to interested stakeholders.<br />

Publications

Sterrett, S.B., M.R. Henninger, G.C. Yencho, W.Lu, B. Vinyard, and K.G. Haynes. 2003. Stability of internal heat necrosis and specific gravity in tetraploid x diploid potatoes. Crop Science. 43: 790-796.<br /> <br /> Porter, G.A. 2003. Eastern regional potato trials - 2001. 72nd National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 2001, K. G. Haynes, editor . 72:1-14.<br /> <br /> Porter, G.A., J.A. Sisson, P. Ocaya, B. MacFarline, and P. Wardwell. 2003. Maine potato variety trials - 2001. 72nd National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 2001, K. G. Haynes, editor . 72:111-135<br /> <br /> Porter, G.A., P. Ocaya, P. Wardwell, B. Plummer, and B. MacFarline. 2003. Potato variety trials in Maine - 2003. PSE Departmental Mimeo 2003-01.

Impact Statements

1. Four new clones were released in 2003 (AF1753-16, Harley Blackwell, Marcy and Monticello). Horticultural evaluations and management studies of these clones were conducted in most participating states. This research will determine if these new varieties are adapted to a given region, and ensure that these new varieties are quickly adopted if their performance is acceptable.
2. Of the 40 varieties grown on more than 15 acres by Maine seed growers during 2003, 12 were recent introductions first tested in Maine as part of the NE1014 project (including Reba, 729 acres; Andover, 326 acres; Kanona, 187 acres; Pike, 218 acres; Eva, 72 acres; Goldrush, 58 acres; Mainestay, 65 acres; Marcy, 46 acres; Sante, 45 acres; Harley Blackwell, 33 acres; Dakota Pearl, 27 acres; and NorValley, 15 acres).
3. To address the IHN problems endemic to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states, VA, NJ and NC initiated a collaborative IHN project with the USDA-ARS using 4x-2x S. tuberosum x S. phureja -S. stenotomum (tub x phu-stn) hybrids developed by the USDA-ARS. These hybrids will expand the genetic base for new high specific gravity chipping varieties that are free from IHN.

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Report Information

Participants

Cornell University: Don Halseth
Walter De Jong

University of Florida: Chad Hutchinson
J. Marion White
Doug Gergela

University of Maine: Zenaida Ganga,
Greg Porter
Steve Reiling

North Carolina State University: Craig Yencho
Mark Clough

Ohio State University: Matt Kleinhenz

Virginia Polytechnic University: Susan B. Rikki Sterrett

Rutgers University: Mel Henninger

USDA-ARS: Kathy Haynes

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

A. OUTPUTS<br /> <br /> The NE1014 Regional potato variety development project is a coordinated effort among eight eastern states that conducts multi-location variety trials and breeding; four states of which are also conducting breeding and germplasm improvement focusing on the development of new varieties for processing, fresh market and special markets. <br /> <br /> Specific objectives of the NE1014 project are: 1) to use traditional and molecular breeding approaches to develop enhanced germplasm relevant for meeting potato production constraints in the Northeast; 2) to utilize the improved germplasm to develop high quality, pest resistant potato varieties suitable for processing and fresh-market use; and 3) to identify and quantify environmental and cultural effects that influence variety performance. This project aims to contribute to the development of a more economically and ecologically sustainable potato production system in the mid-Atlantic and eastern USA<br /> <br /> The following are the highlights of 2004 accomplishments:<br /> <br /> Crossing work were done to combine traits for processing, fresh market and durable resistance to important pests and diseases  about 98,500 botanical seeds were produced<br /> <br /> About 32,000 seedling tubers were produced from the greenhouse ME and outdoor beds in NY <br /> <br /> About 700 clones from single hills and more than 4,000 clones from four-hill plots were selected from ME, NY and NC breeding programs<br /> <br /> Over 300 clones plus named varieties were evaluated in replicated yield trials and about 50 promising clones were selected for further evaluation<br /> <br /> In NC, 10 IHN resistant clones with good agronomic traits were selected fro rapid seed increase and further evaluation<br /> <br /> Development of resistant germplasm is continuing USDA-ARS Belstville - PA collaboration is focused on developing resistant population to late blight, early blight, common scab, powdery scab and Fusarium dry rot disease<br /> <br /> Screening for resistance were conducted for PVY, common scab and powdery scab, late blight, early blight and Colorado potato beetle in PA, ME and NC<br /> <br /> Multi-location trials of selected advanced clones and named varieties to evaluate yield, quality and adaptation were conducted in all the 8 participating states <br /> <br /> A total of 41 round white and 17 red-skinned entries were evaluated in 2004 NE trials for yield, specific gravity, vine and tuber characteristics and susceptibility to internal and external defects<br /> <br /> MEs AF 1753-16 was named Reeves Kingpin in honor of Dr. Alvin Reeves, the former potato breeder in Maine who passed away in 2001. Reeves Kingpin is a high yielding processing variety which was licensed to McCain Produce, Inc. in 2003. The total area planted to this new variety continues to increase in Maine.<br /> <br /> In NC, Harley Blackwell (B0564-8 from the USDA-ARS), an attractive, round-white potato with netted skin intended primarily for chipping but may also be suitable for fresh market; has provided favorable commercial scale results as an IHN resistant, chipping line, producing marketable yields 108% those of Atlantic.<br /> <br /> Marcy (NY112) performed well in all four commercial trials in Maine. Marcy which has late maturity, scab resistance and is high yielding had seed supplies expanded in ME and NY during 2004.<br /> <br /> Management experiments were conducted to refine recommendations for the most promising candidates for commercial trials. <br /> <br /> To facilitate dissemination of NE-1014 project results, construction of a web site (www.hort.cornell.edu/potato) began late in 2002 and continued during 2004, but funding constraints have impeded progress toward this goal. It is anticipated that this web site will eventually become one of the primary means of disseminating detailed project data to interested stakeholders.<br />

Publications

De Jong W.S., Eannetta N.T., De Jong D.M., Bodis M. 2004. Candidate gene analysis of anthocyanin pigmentation loci in the Solanaceae. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 108: 423-432. <br /> <br /> Thompson, J.R., Perry, K.L., and De Jong, W. 2004. A new potato virus in a new lineage of picorna-like viruses. Arichives of Virology 149:2141-2154.<br /> <br /> Haynes, K.G. and D.P. Weingartner. 2004. The use of area under the disease progress curve to assess resistance to late blight in potato germplasm. Am J Potato Res 81:137-141.<br /> <br /> Porter, G.A., D.H. Lambert, A.A. Bushway, R.L. Plaisted, K.M. Paddock, W.S. DeJong, and D.E. Halseth. 2004. Monticello: A mid-season variety with good tuber appearance and chipping potential from mid- to long-term storage. Amer J Potato Res 81: 143-152.<br /> <br /> Simko, I., K.G. Haynes, E.E. Ewing, S. Costanzo, B.J. Christ, and R.W. Jones. 2004. Mapping genes for resistance to Verticillium albo-atrum in tetraploid and diploid potato populations using haplotype association tests and genetic linkage analysis. Mol Gen Genomics. 271:522-531.<br /> <br /> Simko, I., S. Costanzo, K.G. Haynes, B.J. Christ, and R.W. Jones. 2004. Linkage disequilibrium mapping of Verticillium dahliae resistance quantitative trait locus in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) through a candidate gene approach. Theor Appl Genet 108:217-224.<br /> <br /> Thompson J.R., Perry K.L., De Jong W. 2004. A new potato virus in a new lineage of picorna-like viruses. Archives of Virology 149: 2141-2154.<br /> <br /> <br /> Published Abstracts:<br /> <br /> Simko, I., K.G. Haynes, B.J. Christ, and R.W. Jones. 2004. Linkage disequilibrium mapping of a Verticillium dahliae resistance QTL in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) through a candidate gene approach. Amer. J. Potato Res. 81:88-89. (Abstract)<br /> <br /> Sterrett, S.B., G.C. Yencho, M.R. Henninger, and K.G. Haynes. 2004. Internal heat necrosis resistant potato clones have higher tuber concentrations of magnesium, sulfur, manganese, and calcium, and lower concentrations of potassium than susceptible clones in the Mid-Atlantic States. Amer. J. Potato Res. 81: 90 (Abstract)<br /> <br /> Valluru, R., B.J. Christ, and K.G. Haynes. 2004. Inheritance of resistance to Fusarium tuber rot in potatoes. Amer. J. Potato Res. 81:91 (Abstract)<br /> <br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. New varieties released in 2003 - Reeves Kingpin, Harley Blackwell, Marcy and Monticello - continue to find their way into growers fields in 2004.
2. Fifteen percent of the potato acreage in Virginia was left unharvested in 2004, primarily because of internal tuber defects. Based upon 2003 price estimates, approximately $1.16 million in revenue were lost. As a result of the germplasm trials, growers know that Marcy from the New York breeding program is susceptible to internal heat necrosis and should not be grown in Virginia. Several clones adapted to the growing conditions have been identified and are now included in seed increase for a

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Report Information

Participants

Arsenault, Walter  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada;
Christ, Barb (ebf@psu.edu)  Pennsylvania State University;
Clough, Mark (Mark_Clough@ncsu.edu)  North Carolina State University;
De Jong, Walter (wsd2@cornell.edu)  Cornell University;
Gagnon, Andre´ - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada;
Ganga, Zenaida (Zenaida_Ganga@umit.maine.edu)  University of Maine;
Gergela, Doug (dgergela@ufl.edu)  University of Florida;
Halseth, Don (deh3@cornell.edu)  Cornell University;
Henninger, Mel (henninger@AESOP.Rutgers.edu)  Rutgers University;
Hutchinson, Chad (cmhutch@ufl.edu)  University of Florida;
Kleinhenz, Matt (kleinhenz.1@osu.edu)  Ohio State University;
Murphy, Agnes  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada;
Porter, Greg (porter@maine.edu)  University of Maine;
Reiling, Steve (reiling@maine.edu)  University of Maine;
Wang, Xiaohong  Cornell University;
Wanner, Leslie (wannerl@ba.ars.usda.gov)  USDA-ARS;
Yencho, Craig (Craig_Yencho@NCSU.edu)  North Carolina State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

1. Call to order, additions to and approval of agenda
" Call to order: 8:15 AM  Zenaida Ganga
" Meeting agenda was introduced; additions or revisions solicited
i. Craig Yencho: proposed discussion on National Potato Database
ii. Zenaida Ganga: suggested including this in item #16 when we discuss our database
iii. Zenaida Ganga: item #17 will be skipped as Kathy Haynes could not be present due to illness
" Motion to approve agenda: Craig Yencho; Second: Don Halseth
2. Introductions
" Introductions made by each individual
3. Minutes of last meeting  Chad Hutchinson
" Minutes from 2005 meeting were presentedMotion to accept: Craig Yencho; Second: Don Halseth
4. Appointment of Committees  Zenaida Ganga
" Site Selection  Don Halseth, Craig Yencho, and Barb Christ
" Resolutions  Walter De Jong and Greg Porter
" Nominations  Mel Henninger and Chad Hutchinson
5. Local Arrangements  Kathy Haynes and Leslie Wanner
" Leslie Wanner indicated the registration fee would be $15 for the meeting. Also a count was made for those that planned to attend dinner that evening.
6. Administrative Advisor Report  Steve Reiling
" Reminded group to have minutes of the meeting prepared and submitted within a month of the meeting so the annual report could be submitted within 60 days of the meeting
" Asked group to consider establishment of a formal liaison between both the North Central and North Western regional potato projects. This is in reference to perceived duplication of effort between the regional projects by reviewers.
7. Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services (CSREES) Report
" No report Given
8. Eastern Regional USDA-CSREES Potato Special Grant project update  Greg Porter
" The proposal was started earlier this year and finished on time, one day before deadline.
" Indicated overall reviewers liked the way the program was put together. Peer reviews were handed out to the group as well as panel and peer reviews from 2 years ago. High marks were given for number of states involved, organization, making use of a diverse set of environments, and a very positive web based component. Reviewer, Dan Ronnis had very favorable remarks overall but had these two criticisms: lack of effort to discard for external defects (bruising and sunburn), and overall North American breeding efforts are too fragmented.
" With regard to the progress report reviewers from 2 years ago stated the opening paragraph should highlight what the group is doing in lay terms to provide more clarity to the non-scientific reader. On this point it was noted that Ann Marie Thro expressed frustration in lack of clarity and specifics in the current opening paragraph
" Steve Reiling: Report process is changing focusing more toward impacts and outcomes both in the short term and long term and less on numbers of scientific publications.
9. State Federal and Provincial Site Reports
Prince Edward Island  Walter Arsenault
New Brunswick  Agnes Murphy
Quebec  Andre´ Gagnon
Florida  Doug Gergela
Maine  Greg Porter
New Jersey  Mel Henninger
New York  Don Halseth
North Carolina  Craig Yencho
Ohio  Matt Kleinhenz
Pennsylvania  Barb Christ
10. Comments from Industry Representatives
" No representatives present
11. Pathology Tests Reports
" Barb Christ: Good Late blight year in trials. Susceptible and resistant lines were easily discernable. Powdery Scab trials were good had high levels on Russet Burbank.
" Xiaohong Wang: Cornell continues to evaluate for Golden nematode resistance. Currently evaluate potatoes from New York, Michigan, and the USDA-ARS.
" Leslie Wanner: Presented a through and informative talk on the variation in scab causing organisms in the NE and US. Asked for southern states to contribute scab samples as we find them in the field to expand her collection.
12. Breeding Reports
" Maine - Zenaida Ganga: Wet weather stretched out planting season but overall trials went well.
New Brunswick - Agnes Murphy: Highlighted Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadas selection and release method. This year expected to release 3 french fry and 4 or 5 table market varieties..
New York - Walter De Jong: Indicated scab after GN was the next most important pathogen facing New Yorks production. C
" North Carolina  Craig Yencho: planted roughly 10,000 single hills this year. We are still taking materials from Kathy Haynes program as singles. In about the 3rd year of our own breeding efforts and anticipate in the next few years having breeders seed entered into the NE1014 program.
" USDA-ARS - Kathy Haynes: Not Given
13. Seed Orders, Shopping List, New Entries  Greg Porter
o NY138: will not be distributed due to high virus levels

o B1763-4, B2274-2, B2291-7, B2319-1, B2319-3, NY130, NY133, NY134, and AF2209-9 all dropped from program.

o A9014-2 (Gemstar Russet): ME: french fry quality similar to Russet Burbank, 11% external defects, yields well, has PVY symptom expression problems, 20% misshapes, 42.5% hollow heart; NY: good yields, 25 to 50% hollow heart; PEI: 2.6% total defects, high specific gravity. Scheduled to be done testing after 2006

o AF2199-6: NJ: has growth cracks, low yield; NY: marketable yield was 92% of Russet Burbank, 20% misshapes, 10% growth cracks; PEI: good fry quality, 86% marketable yield Russet Burbank; ME: 83% Russet Burbank (5 year average), slow emergence this year, some misshapes, fries well, good specific gravity, shatter bruise susceptible

o AF2211-2: ME: external defect problems, deep eyes, low yield, high levels of scab; NJ: Many growth cracks, very scab susceptible; NC: had it in 2004, yield equal to Atlantic, low gravity, fair appearance, 10% IHN at a severity rating of 6, deep stem end; NY: 78% Atlantic, okay dry matter, 5% growth cracks, 5% misshapes, 5% hollow heart, high amounts of scab. Dropped

o AF2211-9: NJ: high IHN, a lot of hollow heart, high gravity; NC: high IHN, mid-maturing, hollow heart noted, high gravity, 72% Atlantic; NY: high IHN; ME: mid to early maturing, 72% Atlantic, high gravity, excellent chip color. Kept for colder locations

o AF2209-8: NJ: high IHN in 2002, good yield, low gravity; FL: 30% IHN over 2 years, good yield, low gravity (1.059); ME: 1.059 gravity, 5% hollow heart, yield okay, appearance good, susceptible to shatter bruise; NC: 1.053 gravity, 65% IHN at a severity rating of 6.3 over 2 years; NY: 72% Atlantic, 1.069 gravity, 13% hollow heart, 20% vascular discoloration. Drop

o AF2291-10: This should not be a russet type potato some in 2004 received mixed up lots; NJ: 86% Atlantic, gravity similar to Atlantic, IHN problems, high numbers of misshapes; ME: yields equal to Atlantic, good gravity, chips good, susceptible to bruise; NC: 86% Atlantic, 1.076 gravity, good chip score, fair appearance, high levels of IHN, some hollow heart, FL: similar to NC data, 80% Atlantic, 1.082 gravity, some hollow heart; OH: good gravity, poor appearance, poor chip color. Breeders Choice for 2006

o AF2314-1: NJ: high numbers of heat sprouts, lots of secondary growth, poor appearance, and low yield; ME: low yield, many pear shapes, okay appearance; FL: 50% standard; 1.067 gravity, 100% less than 2 1/2 inches, deep eyes; NY: Fair appearance, yield less than Atlantic

o AF2322-2: NJ: many heat sprouts and secondary growth, no IHN, some scab; ME: low gravity, fresh market type, round to oblong shape, scab susceptible.

o AF2376-5: NJ: 67% Atlantic, 4 out of 10 with IHN, yellow flesh; NC: 93% Atlantic (2 year average), variable gravity, slightly later than mid-season, all other ratings variable; ME late maturing, good appeaance, smooth skin, low yields.

o AF2393-7: NJ: netted red, low yield; ME: on wet site netted, good size and shape, skin set not good

o AF2916-1: ME: bright smooth skin, fresh market, good yield 3 of 5 years, some hollow heart; NJ: very small.

o B1806-8: NJ: some hollow heart, good appearance, gravity 5 points better than superior, scab susceptible, breeders choice for 2005, slight yellow flesh; ME: scab susceptible, 6 out of 9 tests had high scab levels, very black spot and bruise susceptible, darkens after cooking, 9% hollow heart regionally over all years; PEI: 78% standard; NC: seen in 11 tests, 106% Atlantic, good size, light yellow, chips, slight net, good appearance, some scab; FL: 10 site years, 97% Atlantic, 1.074 gravity, good size, 6% IHN at one location. Completed testing in 2006.

o B1816-5: NJ: good yield, too netted; NY: too ugly; ME: round to oblong, slight net, yellow flesh; Breeders Choice for 2006.

o B1870-3: ME: fresh market, round to oblong, scab, growth cracks, early to mid-season; FL: large tubers; NY: good cooking scores, no after cooking darkening, low gravity, few internal defects; NJ: low gravity.

o B1952-2: NJ: susceptible to scab, smooth shape, some hollow heart; ME: good skin; OH: good yield, nice appearance; FL: high gravity.

o NDTX731-1R: ME: high yield, good in ME, bright red, slight net, passed boil and bake tests, low external defects, ME grower likes, regionally 106% Chieftain; NY good in muck soils, 251% Chieftain in 2005, 194% in 2004. Completed testing in 2006.

o NY129: NJ: high yield, low gravity, eats well, bakes and boils, netted skin; NY: uniform tubers; NC: shallow eyes, netting; ME: high yield, low external defects; PA: nets in southeast PA, Erie County grower markets it local and cant get enough; OH: likes it also. Completed testing in 2006.

o NY137: NJ: high yield, low gravity; OH: low yield, good appearance, low gravity; FL: high yield, low gravity.

o NY139: NJ: low yield, good chip quality; NJ: good in NJ; NC: 96% Atlantic, good chip, 1.076 gravity, fair appearance, some IHN, flat cross section, some greening. Chip stock potato. Breeders Choice for 2006.

o NYY73-49: NY: some trichome mediated insect resistance, susceptible to GN, fresh market type, mid-season; NC: mid-season, good gravity, good yield; NJ: some IHN, good yield.

Additions for next year:

o Beacon Chipper: unsure of parentage or where it came from. Released by Michigan State University and Maine. Maine growers asked to enter it into program.

o Dakota Diamond: from NDSU originally ND5822C-7. NJ: high levels of IHN; NY: high levels of IHN; NC: some CPB resistance.

o Blazer Russet

o Summit Russet

o Dakota Jewel: some silver scurf resistance

14. Eastern Trial Summary  Greg Porter

Suggests publishing it as a miscellaneous ME experiment station publication. The 2003 data has been submitted and 2004 data will go out soon. It woud alos be good to put on the website as a PDF document.

15. Update on AMMI analysis of NE1014 data  Don Halseth

AMMI is a valuable tool to compare genetic by environmental interaction. An overview of this years analysis was presented to the group.

16. Update on the NE1014 website/database development  Don Halseth/ Craig Yencho/ Mark Clough

Don Halseth: Still planning the development of the NE1014 website. Items to include on the website: mission and project description in laymans terms; variety release info from all materials that have gone through the program; information on each project involved in the program; link to the database.

17. Annual Report Forms - Skipped

18. Old Business

No old business

19. New Business

No new business

20. Committee reports

Site Selection: Don Halseth: the committee has selected Philadelphia Jan 12th, 2007 as the location and date for our next meeting. Mel Henninger will line up accommodations. Don Halseth motioned to accept. Craig Yencho second.

Nominations: Mel Henninger and Chad Hutchison motioned that Leslie Wanner be the in coming secretary. Craig Yencho second.

Resolutions:

Where as the annual NE 1014 technical committee meeting has been a productive and enjoyable gathering of friends, let us resolve to:

1. Commend Kathy Haynes, Leslie Wanner, and Dianne Fleck for detailed local arrangements, especially the potato chips at lunch

2. Commend Greg Porter for his effort in again assembling and managing the USDA-CSREES proposal.

3. Commend Steve Reiling for exemplary leadership and diplomacy as our administrative advisor

4. Commend the NE 1014 2005-2006 officers, Zenaida Ganga (Chair), Chad Hutchinson (Vice-Chair), and Mark Clough (Secretary) for their service

5. Commend Rikki Sterrett, recently changed positions, and Marion White, recently retired, for their dedicated service and friendship to NE 1014 over many years.

Chad Hutchinson motioned to accept. Greg Porter second.

21. Adjournment

Craig Yencho moved for adjournment. Chad Hutchinson seconded the motion at 4:03 P.M. January 14th, 2006.

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Conduct breeding, germplasm enhancement, and selection studies to improve potato productivity and quality for important eastern U.S. markets. USDA/ARS breeding objectives include breeding for disease resistance (late blight, early blight, common scab, Fusarium dry rot, Verticillium wilt), processing quality (high specific gravity, freedom from internal heat necrosis), and improved nutritional content (lutein and zeaxanthin) at both the tetraploid and diploid level. In addition to the normal tetraploid crosses made for varietal development, bulk pollinations were made in the cycle two diploid late blight population to advance it to cycle three.<br /> <br /> ME breeding objectives include high yield, durable resistance to major diseases, good processing traits, good storability and superior cooking and eating qualities with particular emphasis on russet and long-tuber types. The program produced about 43,000 true seeds from crosses between progenitors with good yield, good processing traits and multiple disease resistances (with late blight a high priority). About 22,000 tubers were produced in the greenhouse and 21,237 single hills were planted in the field resulting in 247 (1.2%) selections. Selections from the different stages of evaluation are as follows: 55 (15.6%) long russet clones from the 8-hill plots, 29 (14.5%) round white/red clones from the 12-hill plots; and 30 (39.5%) clones out of the 76 entries planted in the 20-hill observational trial. Yield trials were conducted: preliminary (19 entries), intermediate (40 entries); and advanced trials (12 entries for long russets and 12 entries for round white/red types). Certified seed was produced of the 37 most advanced, promising clones. <br /> <br /> NY breeding efforts focus on developing golden nematode resistant fresh market (white and specialty types) and chipping clones. In NY, 94 crosses were made between parents with complementary quality and disease resistance attributes, yielding approximately 440,000 botanical seeds. The following number of clones were saved from each generation: 13,474 (out of 20,463 planted; seedling generation); 1223 (4-hill plots); 376 (20-hill plots); 59 (100-hill plots); 11 (400-hill plots and replicated yield trials); and 8 (most advanced generations). <br /> <br /> The NC breeding and early-generation selection efforts focus on insect and internal heat necrosis resistance, and more recently, the development of specialty-type potatoes. During 2004/2005, NC made 29 crosses yielding 32,942 botanical seed. Seeds from earlier crosses and from the USDA-ARS yielded 10,140 greenhouse, seedling tubers. The A seedling tuber was kept and planted as a single hill in NC while the B seedling tuber was sent to ME and planted by the USDA-ARS. A total of 344 selections were obtained from the single-hill seedling plots in NC. We also planted: 140 6-hill plots (91 from last years NC single-hill selections and 49 from UM); 32, 20-hill plots from NCs previous 6- and 12-hill plots; and 14, 60-hill plots (9 from NY and 5 from NC). In addition, a total of 185 preliminary and advanced clones were evaluated in replicated yield trials in research station and/or on-farm experiments. <br /> <br /> To address the internal heat necrosis (IHN) problems endemic to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern states, VA, NJ and NC continued a collaborative IHN project with the USDA-ARS. During 2004-2005 we conducted a large IHN/specific gravity combining ability study using, as parents, 4x-2x S. tuberosum x (S. phureja X S. stenotomun (phu-stn)) hybrids developed by the USDA-ARS, as well as Atlantic and advanced breeding lines. In a preliminary marker-assisted breeding study, 90% of the clones were genotyped with five putative molecular markers linked to IHN resistance/susceptibility. Two of the five markers were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with resistance to IHN. However, the percentage of variation for IHN resistance explained by the markers is still too low and we plan to conduct more molecular marker screening using additional populations.<br /> <br /> Objective 2. Use of novel and highly improved potato germplasm to reduce the impact of economically important potato pests in the eastern U.S. The USDA-ARS program in collaboration with PA has continued research on the diploid Solanum phureja-S. stenotomum (phu-stu) populations for increasing the levels of disease resistance. From the late blight population of phu-stu, PCR based markers are being developed to identify the QTL sites associated with late blight resistance. Mean area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) decreased by approximately 1/6 from cycle #1 to #2; the estimates of additive genetic and phenotypic variance were similar in both cycles. In 2005 bulk pollinations were made among the most late blight resistant clones from each phu-stn family in the cycle #2 selection to advance the population to cycle #3, where an additional decrease in AUDPC of similar magnitude is predicted. Seed from the cycle #2 diploid early blight resistant population was increased in 2005 and distributed to PA for evaluation in 2006. Tuber blight resistance in a phu-stn family was mapped to four chromosomal regions. None of these resistance loci corresponded to the foliage resistance loci mapped in an earlier study of the same family, indicating that different genes govern foliar and tuber late blight resistance. Thirty-two families of S. tuberosum crosses that were derived from late blight CIP lines were evaluated for a fourth year of late blight severity. Sixty-seven clones have been identified as having high levels of resistance to late blight and these will undergo evaluation for other horticultural traits in 2006. A second sub-population from phu-stu was selected for common scab resistance and is currently in the third year of evaluation. Based on 2003 and 2004 results, resistance levels are high for both common and powdery scab. A third sub-population from phu-stn was evaluated for Fusarium dry rot resistance. Although the genetic variance was large, none of it was additive, and we concluded that it would not be profitable to try to breed for Fusarium dry rot resistance using this genetic material.<br /> <br /> Two plots were established for CPB resistance screening in NC during 2005. The first was a replicated study with 29 entries and Atlantic as the susceptible check. The second was a group of roughly 330 Solanum chacoense x S. tuberosum hybrids arranged in a RCB design with three single hill replications. The smaller test consisted of three trichome clones from Cornell University, five lines from North Dakota State University, two lines from NC with leptine-mediated resistance, and nineteen lines from the USDA-ARS. High levels of resistance were seen in all clones from NDSU. NC1-15, BP101-1 and BP103-1 also demonstrated significant resistance to CPB feeding. During 2004/2005 CPB resistance screening trials were conducted on three populations of tbr x chc hybrids to identify resistant and susceptible clones to establish our DNA bulks for molecular analyses. <br /> <br /> Field screening in ME for resistance to common scab (82 entries), PLRV (39 entries), Verticillium wilt (19 entries) and early/late blight (52 entries) were conducted at the Aroostook Farm. All screenings was artificially inoculated except for the early/late blight trial which was naturally-infected with late blight during the later part of the growing season. Initial laboratory screening using a detached-leaf method and tuber inoculation were conducted in the laboratory for all clones and varieties used in the hybridization for late blight resistance to develop a base population with durable resistance to this important disease.<br /> <br /> Objective 3. Evaluate the yield, quality, and pest resistance of advanced potato breeding lines at multiple eastern locations. Potato breeding efforts in ME, NY, NC, and USDA-ARS (Beltsville) were supported via collaborative multi-site selection, evaluation, and variety development research within this project. The breeding programs (approximately 150 advanced clones per program) and the regional project nursery (37 clones) distributed seed tubers for evaluation in approximately 40 trials (eight eastern states and two Canadian provinces) during 2005. Additional clones were submitted by other North American potato breeding programs (Texas A&M, Michigan, Wisconsin, etc.). Each collaborating state contributed information on horticultural performance and provided evaluation in one or more specific expertise areas (ME: processing quality, sensory evaluation, tolerance to bruise, and resistance to hollow heart and scab; NC/VA/NJ: internal heat necrosis; NJ: second growth, growth cracks, heat sprouts, hollow heart, and brown center; NC: insect resistance; NY: golden nematode resistance, hollow heart resistance, cooking quality, processing quality, and storage ability; PA: early blight, late blight, and powdery scab; OH: sensory and processing quality). This collaborative regional effort has resulted in improved potato germplasm specifically enhanced for characteristics needed by eastern potato growers.<br /> <br /> Horticultural evaluations were conducted in all participating states (# trial sites, # advanced breeding clones): ME (3, 170); NC (4, 185); NJ (2, 221); NY (5, 197); OH (1, 90); PA (3, 26; 1, 181) and VA (1, 120). These trials provide essential information on yield, internal and external tuber defects, size distribution, appearance, and general resistance to pests and physiological disorders. For example, of 179 first-time clones in NJ, 46 were discarded because of IHN, 6 for hollow heart, 23 for other heat stress defects. Forty were good enough to be entered in replicated trials during 2006. ATX85404-8W, B0766-3, NY126, NY129 and NY137 continued to look good in replicated trials. PA tests included 181 advanced selections with 26 of the most advanced clones planted in replicated trials on growers farms at three locations representing the different climate regions. The varieties and advanced clones in the Eastern trials (NE1014) were evaluated in three separate plots for early blight, late blight and powdery scab. A90586-11 was more resistant and NY128 and B1826-1 were slightly more resistant to late blight than Kennebec. B1240-1 was resistant to early blight. Yukon Gold and A90586-11 had only slightly greater early blight than the resistant checks. Twelve clones were classified as moderately resistant to powdery scab. OH evaluated 90 selections and identified 22 selections with good-excellent overall appearance. Sixteen selections had acceptable chip color. Consumer-oriented aspects of cooking quality are being assessed. In ME, French fry quality of candidate processing clones was evaluated under simulated processing conditions (slice, blanch, par fry, and finish fry). Only A9014-2 equaled Russet Burbank in overall quality during 2004-2005 testing. <br /> In ME, NY and OH, sensory evaluations compared cooking quality of new clones to established standards. In ME baked-quality tests, A9014-2 was rated as being significantly better than Russet Burbank and Russet Norkotah. Nine round-whites received good baked quality scores (Sunbury and NY128 were better than standards; NDTX731-1R, AF2115-1, AF1455-20, NY127, SC8801-2, B1806-8, and NY125 were equal to standards). In boiled quality tests, AC Sunbury, NDTX731-1R, AF2115-1, NY127, SC8801-2, NY125, and A9014-2 performed well, while NY128, AF1455-20, B1806-8, and AF1808-18 performed poorly. All clones tested in NY trials are evaluated for after-cooking darkening and sloughing. Entries which performed very well on both muck and mineral soil trials in 2004 were: Adirondack Red (T17-2), Ida Rose, Villetta Rose, B1870-3, W2275-9R and W92-38. <br /> <br /> In NC, the specialty-type clone B1816-5 has been evaluated in 14 trials since 2000. Its purple skin and yellow flesh make it a stand out among fresh market potatoes. It has received favorable reviews from large-scale growers marketing to multi-state fresh markets as well as with small growers supplying local markets in eastern NC (both conventional and organic). <br /> <br /> Objective 4. Conduct initial commercial trials of advanced potato breeding lines and aid industry adoption of improved new varieties. Commercial production requires the generation of high quality, disease-free seed stocks. Each year, the most promising advanced breeding clones are introduced into tissue culture to produce Foundation seed for grower evaluation. In 2004-2005, the NY program initiated tissue culture for the production of four advanced breeding clones, including one clone from the USDA/Beltsville breeding program. Ten clones from the ME program were introduced into tissue culture.<br /> <br /> Several advanced breeding clones have been released or are nearing release, including: fresh market (AF1758-7); chipping (Harley Blackwell, B0766-3, Monticello, and Marcy); and french fry processing (Reeves Kingpin, AF1808-18 and several other AF clones). ME coordinated semi-commercial trials of seven recently named or numbered selections (Keuka Gold, Marcy, Reeves Kingpin, AF1808-18, B1145-2, B0766-3, and NDTX731-1R) and 18 commercial-scale trials on growers farms during 2005. Initial reports indicate that growers were favorably impressed with Keuka Gold, Marcy, and NDTX731-1R. Marcy has had problems with IHN in the mid-Atlantic states and this may limit its acceptance there; however, its high yield and scab resistance are attracting considerable commercial interest in some eastern production areas. Reeves Kingpin and AF1808-18 experienced problems with sunburning and poor stands. Results from trials of B1145-2 and B0766-3 are pending. In NC, Harley Blackwell has provided favorable commercial-scale results as an IHN resistant, chipping cultivar, producing marketable yields 104% those of Atlantic. One seed broker contracted for a total of 4500 cwt of ME seed during 2005, for contracts to chipping plants in FL, NC, PA, NY, ME, MD, and OH. OH conducted large-scale trials of five advanced selections on three commercial farms. Performance of these lines was generally good and there is interest in repeating the evaluations with the same or different selections. Selected advanced ME clones were sent to McCain Foods processing trials conducted in the Midwest (2 russet clones) and to a private company in Quebec (7 chipping clones). N3 seed of a chipping clone, AF 1455-20 which performed well in Ohio in previous years, was given to the Ohio Potato Growers Association for a larger scale planting trial. <br /> <br /> Management experiments were conducted in ME, NY, and NJ to refine recommendations for the most promising candidates for commercial trials. These experiments included research on herbicide tolerance (10 advanced clones), N and K fertility (AF1758-7), cultivation and hilling (AF1808-18 and Reeves Kingpin), and in-row spacing and N fertilizer (Marcy). The results will be incorporated into recommendations provided to growers.<br /> Objective 5. Development of a project website and a web-based potato variety performance database for use by researchers, extension, potato growers, and allied industry members. NY continued to develop a web-site which will contain information on project objectives, including yield trial reports from all sites, variety release notices, and cultural practice recommendations. NC continued to develop a project-wide database with an interactive search engine. The database is developed using the programming language MySQL, a subset of SQL (Standard Query Language  the industry standard for database development). An interface to the database is created using PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) as well as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) to allow access through the web. Currently the database can be viewed at http://potatoes.ncsu.edu/nesearch.html. Our new server and associated software will provide a more stable platform to disseminate information to stake holders and interested parties. Future modifications will enable users less familiar with the clones and varieties listed on the site to limit the varietal list by skin color and maturity.<br />

Publications

Impact Statements

1. The seven-state eastern program continued crossing, selection, and evaluation to improve fresh market and processing varieties available for eastern producers, 30 new clones moved on to the advanced stages of testing which precede commercial trials.
2. Commercialization of recent releases from this project (Marcy, Monticello, Harley Blackwell, chipping; Reeves Kingpin, french fries; AF1808-18, fresh market and fries; NDTX731-1R, red-skinned fresh market) continued, these new varieties and other advanced lines have the potential to enhance quality and solve production problems for potato growers.
3. Clones with good tolerance to key potato pests (golden nematode, Colorado Potato Beetle) and diseases (late blight, early blight, common scab, powdery scab, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium dry rot, etc.) have been identified and will be used as parents and/or developed into new varieties for commercial release where they could significantly reduce the use of pesticides and/or growers losses to these pests.
4. Marker-assisted selection procedures are being developed to facilitate future selection of improved potato varieties with better disease resistance (late blight, early blight) and internal tuber quality (heat necrosis resistance)
5. Progress was made in the development of a database and website for conveying information from this project. More detailed results are available upon request.

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