NE184: Development of New Potato Clones for Environmental and Economical Sustainability in the Northeast

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[03/26/2001] [06/04/2002]

Date of Annual Report: 03/26/2001

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/21/2001 - 01/21/2001
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2000 - 12/01/2000

Participants

Arsenault, Walter (arsenaultw@em.agr.ca) - Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada;
DeJong, Walter (wdjxx@cornell.edu) - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY;
Fleck, Diane (for Kathy Haynes) (haynesk@ba.ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD;
Halseth, Don (deh3@cornell.edu) - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY;
Henninger, Mel (henninger@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ;
Hutchinson, Chad (cmhutch@ufl.edu) - University of Florida/IFAS, Hastings, FL;
Kavanaugh, Larry (larry@parklandseedpotatoes.com) - Can AGRICO Potato Corporation, Lacombe, AB, Canada;
Kleinhenz, Matt (kleinhenz.1@osu.edu) - Ohio State University, Wooster, OH;
Lamont, Bill (wlamont@psu.edu) - Penn State University, University Park, PA;
MacKenzie, David (dm184@umail.umd.edu) - NERA, College Park, MD;
Orzolek, Mike (morzolek@psu.edu) - Penn State University, University Park, PA;
Ouellette, Bernard (globalag@nbnet.nb.ca) - Global Agri Services, Inc., New Maryland, NB, Canada;
Porter, Greg (porter@maine.edu) - University of Maine, Orono, ME;
Reeves, Al (alvin.reeves@umit.maine.edu) - University of Maine, Presque Isle, ME;
Sterrett, Rikki (vators@vt.edu) - Eastern Shore AREC, Painter, VA;
Tarn, Richard (tarnr@em.agr.ca) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada;
Veilleux, Richard (potato@vt.edu) - Virginia Tech., Blacksburg, VA;
White, Marion (jmwhi@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu) - Mid-Florida Research & Education Center, Apopka, FL;
Yencho, Craig (craig_yencho@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State University, Plymouth, NC;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Steven R. Alm (stevealm@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Paul Backman (pbackman@psu.edu) - Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station;

Mark J. Carroll (mc92@umail.umd.edu) - University of Maryland;

J. Marshall Clark (jclark@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;

Bruce B. Clarke (clarke@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;

Richard S. Cowles (rcowles@caes.state.ct.us) - Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;

J. Scott Ebdon (sebdon@pssci.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;

Steven Fales;

Karl Guillard (karl.guillard@uconn.edu) - University of Connecticut;

Richard J. Hull (rhu6441@postoffice.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Noel Jackson;

Peter J. Landschoot (pj11@psu.edu) - The Pennsylvania State University;

Pim Larsson-Kovach (il11@cornell.edu) - Cornell University;

James Lin - USEPA;

Bill Meyer (wmeyer@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;

Kevin Morris - NTEP;

Bridget Ruemmele (bridgetr@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Mike Sullivan (senmike@uriacc.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Patricia Vittum (pvittum@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts

Accomplishments

Regional potato project NE-184 has three major objectives for linking research and extension activities of this multidisiciplinary and multi-institutional workgroup which encompasses the entire eastern US and Canadian potato industry. The goal of this project is to identify needs of the potato industry, as well as those of the environment and especially the consumer, and develop solutions to those needs. It should be noted that the seed, tablestock and processing markets are all impacted by segments of this programs activities. Objective 1. Determine the heritability of traits of economic importance and improve the genetic base of tetraploid potatoes. Objective 1.a. Determine the heritability of internal heat necrosis in chipping lines and any relationship between high specific gravity and susceptibility to heat necrosis. A collaborative internal heat necrosis study has been underway to develop new, high gravity cultivars free from internal heat necrosis (IHN), a chronic problem in tubers grown in high summer temperature areas of the mid-Atlantic region. For the heat necrosis study, eighty-eight 4x-2x hybrids provided by Dr. Haynes, USDA-ARS-BARC were evaluated at locations with high temperature growing conditions. Trials were planted in NC by Dr. Yencho (NCSU), NJ by Dr. Henninger (Rutgers) and VA by Dr. Sterrett (VA Tech). Trials were harvested and tubers were sized and weighed, specific gravity measured and tubers cut open and rated for IHN. The experiment had good levels of IHN present in some clones and none in others, indicating that we had a good range of values for future analyses. An abstract for poster presentation summarizing the results of the 1999 season in NC, NJ and VA has been submitted for presentation at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the Potato Association of America. Another set of 4x-2x hybrids is being increased for testing in 2002 at these same locations. Objective 1.b. Determine the inheritance of long-term storage processing ability in diploid potatoes and improve the genetic base for this trait. Seedlings from crosses made between haploid-species (can. and phu.) hybrids obtained from Dr. Hannemans program and the Beltsville S. phureja-S. stenotomum population were grown in 12-hill plots in 2000 and are in the process of being evaluated for their chipping ability this winter. Objective 1.c. Improve the genetic base of yellow-flesh potatoes. Work continues on identifying the carotenoid composition of yellow-fleshed diploid clones. These clones were also crossed with tetraploid and derived tetraploid clones to further enhance the carotenoid composition of potatoes and the first progeny will be evaluated in 2001. Preliminary results suggest that the enhancement of the tetraploid germplasm base with these diploids greatly improves the culinary quality. Objective 1.d. Improve the genetic base of red-skinned potatoes. A 4x-2x red-skinned hybrid with double layer of red skin has been identified by Haynes (USDA) and is being utilized as a parent in the crossing program. Additional crosses among 4x-2x hybrids and tetraploid S. tuberosum continue to be made. Objective 1.e. Improve the genetic base of resistance to late blight. Crosses between selections from the International Potato Center with good horizontal resistance to late blight and our advanced germplasm were planted in the greenhouse this fall. Diploid populations segregating for late blight resistance were produced and maintained for the molecular work at Penn State and the USDA. Hybridizations between wild species hybrids with late blight resistance and our adapted PHU-STN population were made last winter. Seeds will be planted in fall 2001. Objective 1.f. Improve the genetic base of resistance to early blight. General combining ability was found among 4x-2x (Tbr x PHU-STN) hybrids from the early blight resistant population of the USDA-ARS-BARC. Specific combining ability was not important. (Manuscript has been prepared for submission to Plant Breeding). At Penn State (Dr. Christ) a diploid hybrid Solanum phureja X S. stenotomum F1 population and the two parentals were screened for early and late blight resistance in two separate experiments. There were significant differences among the F1 clones for either early or late blight. The distribution among the clones for early blight severity based on area under disease progress curve values (AUDPC) followed a normal distribution. However, the distribution among the clones for late blight AUDPC was skewed. It appears that already, we have improved late blight resistance in this population when compared to the parental population. Objective 1.g. Utilize concurrent early-generation selection at diverse environmental locations to enhance selection of lines with abroad adaptation. Dr. Yencho (NCSU) and Dr. Haynes (USDA) initiated this project in 1998. Each year 5000-7000 seed tubers are planted in duplicate in NC and ME. Crosses are made by Dr. Haynes and half of the true seed resulting from the crosses (representing a wide genetic base) are sent to NC where it is planted and used to produce two seed tubers- one for NC and the other for the USDA/ARS BARC Chapman Farm in ME. During the 2000 season, 4,469 duplicate single hill plantings were established in NC and ME. From this planting, 132 single-hill selections (57 in NC and 79 in ME with 4 being selected at both sites) were made. 59 clones were selected (29 in NC and 39 in ME with 9 being selected at both sites from the 258 second year selections remaining from our 1999 singles, and 17 selections (10 in NC and 10 in ME with 3 selected at both sites from the 68 third year selections remaining from our singles in 1998. The 17 clones remaining from the first cycle of selection will be evaluated in 2001 in replicated yield trials in NC, NJ and VA, while the remaining first, second and third year selections will be evaluated in NC and ME. A project similar to that above was initiated in 1999 by Dr. Yencho and Dr. Reeves, Univ. of Maine. In 1999, Dr. Reeves saved enough seed from each of his 244 single-hill selections to plant duplicate 4-hill plots in ME and NC during 2000. The 244 selections were planted in NC and Dr. Yencho selected 7 of these for further evaluation in 2001 as 20-hill plots. As in the previous year, selections made in NC will be saved in ME and evaluated in both environments. As above, each of these selections has the potential to produce a new variety better adapted to a wide region, but they need to be further evaluated in larger plots and replicated trials over multiple years. Objective 2. Evaluate pest and disease resistant, early-maturing, long-dormancy varieties for fresh market and/or processing from cold storage. Objectives 1.e. and 1.f. above also address Objective 2 to develop varieties resistant to late blight and early blight. At Penn State twenty-two cultivars and lines were evaluated for early blight, late blight and powdery scab disease reaction in separate trials by Dr. Christ. Early blight severity ranged from 11% to 98%. Five lines had less than 25%: Eva, Kennebec, Russet Burbank, AF1758-7 and Keuka Gold. Late blight never progressed beyond spreader rows, therefore no data was recorded. Powdery scab incidence was high and ranged from 4% to 84%. Four lines had less than 20%: Russet Norkotah #3117, Snowden, NY112 and Russet Burbank. In yield trials, NY112, NY 120 and AF1437-1 had yields greater than Atlantic. Chip color of NY112 and NY120 were equal or better than Snowden across all storage regimes. Fifteen potato clones consisting of nine advanced breeding lines (AF1437-1, AF1569-2, AF1615-1, AF875-15, B0178-34, B056-8, B0564-9, B0766-3, B9922-11) and six commercial varieties (Atlantic, Cherry Red, Snowden, SuperiorAG, SuperiorUS, and Yukon Gold) were evaluated for their susceptibility to Rhizoctonia disease under field conditions in NC. The incidence of Rhizoctonia disease (expressed as the percentage of infected stems) ranged from 31-70%. The fungus reduced the number of emerged stems from 0-80% depending on the potato clone and assessment date. Although differences in emergence and disease were observed, these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.05). Also, when compared to the noninoculated control, no differences in total and marketable yield were observed. In addition 12 Solanum have also been included in the hopes of identifying new sources of resistance to Rhizoctonia. The Cornell breeding program has golden nematode resistance as its highest priority, all selected clones have resistance to Ro1. New York Extension trials in 2000 had 14 named and 54 numbered entries with GN resistance. The latest variety releases, which were tested in NE-184, were Eva and Keuka Gold. Both produce very good yields of attractive tubers over many locations. Objective 3. Identify and quantify significant climate and cultural effects on the performance of potato selections. Replicated and observational trials were conducted by all participating locations to determine genotypes best adapted for their growing conditions and markets. Data was collected and evaluated using guidelines established by the NE-184 technical workgroup. All cooperators include standard varieties and breeder choices to maximize our ability to make performance evaluations and comparisons over years and locations. This data is presented in state trial reports, the NE-184 annual report and the USDA Germplasm report, and provided for extensive discussion on clonal performance when deciding which clones to test in the NE-184 project, as well as providing feedback to our three breeders. Various statistical analyses have been conducted on this combined dataset, such as the AMMI model (Ag. Canada-Dr. Tai and Cornell-Dr. Halseth), to help evaluate clonal adaptation-stability, seasonal variation, and trial site characteristics. Cultural practice experiments on seedpiece weight, spacing and fungicide treatments, nitrogen rates, herbicide materials, tuber bruising, storage temperature and utilization (baking, boiling, chip and French fry) quality were conducted during the 2000 season. It is important to develop variety profiles and optimal cultural practices to help identify promising clones and to speed their successful adoption by the potato industry. Growers were provided with seed of the most advanced lines for commercial scale testing in typical growing conditions. Taste panels were conducted on selections to determine culinary acceptance. Industry involvement and consumer input are important to provide a reality check on evaluations and also to get more active participation. Future Plans: Project NE-184 plans for 2001 include continuing research on its three objectives. Development of varieties with multiple resistances for disease, insect, nematode and stress problems will be a priority. Clones with longer tuber dormancy and the ability to process out of colder temperatures will reduce dependency on chemical sprout inhibitors. Tubers that resist bruising will enhance processing efficiency and provide much better tablestock quality. Optimal cultural practices for new selections will be developed to help the industry more quickly and successfully adopt them while reducing chemical inputs and hence reduce risk to the environment. Depending upon the region, chip, French fry or novelty tablestock clones will be developed to better serve market needs. We also plan to conduct larger scale (1 to 3 acre) on-farm trials with advanced Cornell, University of Maine and USDA clones.

Publications

Brodie, B.B., M. Scurrah, and R.L. Plaisted. 2000. Release of germplasm resistant to multiple races of potato cyst nematodes. Amer. J. Potato Res. 77:207-209. Christ, B.J. 2000. Severity of early blight on potato cultivars and breeding lines, 1998. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 15:105. Christ, B.J. 2000. Severity of powdery scab on potato cultivars and breeding lines, 1998. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 15:115. Christ, B.J. 2000. Severity of early and late blight on potato cultivars and breeding lines, 1998. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 15:112. Christ, B.J. 2000. Severity of powdery scab on potato cultivars and breeding lines, 1999. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 15:116. Goth, R.W. and K.G. Haynes. 2000. Evaluation of potato clones for severity of Verticillium wilt, yield and specific gravity in Maine. Amer. J. Potato Res. 77:89-94. Halseth, D.E., W.L. Hymes, 2000. Upstate New York potato variety trials 1999. 70th National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 1999. K.G. Haynes, editor. 70:In Press Halseth, D.E., W.L. Hymes and R.L. MacLaury. 2000. Upstate New York potato variety trials and cultural practice experiments. Fruit and Vegetable Science Report 84 Cornell University, 46pp. Haynes, K.G. 2000. Inheritance of yellow-flesh intensity in diploid potatoes. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 125:63-65. Henninger, M.R. 2000. White Potato Research Report Summary of Varietial and Cultural Studies. Rutgers Cooperative Extension Publication. Henninger, M.R., S.B. Sterrett and K.G. Haynes. 2000. Broad-sense heritability and stability of internal heat necrosis and specific gravity in tetraploid potatoes. Crop Sci. 40:977-984. Porter, G.A., J.A. Sission and B. MacFarline. 2000. Maine potato variety trials 1999. 70th National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 1999. K.G. Haynes, editor. 70:In Press Porter, G.A., P.C. Ocaya, J.A. Sission, B. MacFarline and P. Wardwell. 2000. Maine potato variety trials 2000. UM Dept. of Plant, Soil & Env. Sciences Mimeo 2000-02. Porter, G.A., J.A. Sission, P.C. Ocaya, B. MacFarline and P. Wardwell. 2000. Screening of potato varieties and breeding lines for sensitivity to postemergence metribuzin and rimsulfuron, 2000 growing season. UM Dept. of Plant, Soil & Env. Sciences Mimeo 2000-02. Sterrett, S.B. and C.P. Savage, Jr. 2000. Virginia. 70th National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 1999. K.G. Haynes, editor. 70:In Press Yencho, G.C., S.P. Kowalski, G.G. Kennedy and L.L. Sanford. 2000. Segregation of leptine glycoalkaloids and resistance to Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) in F2 Solanum tuberosum (4x) X S. chacoense (4x) potato progenies. American J. Potato Research 77:167-178. Zhang, R., and B.J. Christ. 2000. Severity of early blight on potato cultivars and breeding lines, 1999. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 15:106.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 06/04/2002

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/18/2002 - 01/19/2002
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2001 - 01/01/2002

Participants

Bill Brodie (NY); Barb Christ (PA); Walter De Jong (NY); Don Halseth (NY); Mel Henninger (NJ); Chad Hutchinson (FL); Matt Kleinhenz (OH); Dave Lambert (ME); Bill Lamont (PA); David MacKenzie (MD, NERA); Keith Perry (NY); Robert Plaisted (NY); Greg Porter (ME); Joe Sieczka (NY); Rikki Sterrett (VA); George Tai (NB, AAFC); Lesley Wanner (BARC, USDA); Marion White (FL); Craig Yencho (NC).

Brief Summary of Minutes

NE184 rewrite. Greg Porter presented version 2.0 of the proposal. It has been examined twice by the rewrite committee. The length of the document needs to be reduced to fit within national guidelines. Detailed discussion of the document was tabled until the next morning, when all present will have had a chance to read it. The revised proposal will be reviewed by five scientists outside the NE region. After their comments are incorporated, the proposal will go to the NERA Multistate Advisory Committee for a recommendation and then to the NERA Directors for a final vote.

State, Federal and Provincial Site Reports for 2001. A discussion arose concerning continued Canadian participation. It was noted that NE184 seed meets Canadian Federal standards but provincial rules in NB or PEI prevent us from sending seed from a farm with the ring rot pathogen present. State reports updated the meeting participants on clone performance and weather conditions during trials.

Comments from Industry Representatives. No industry representatives were present. C. Yencho suggested that we should invite industry representatives to one of our meetings every few years, and that we have a session where we listen to them (rather than have them listen to us). D. Halseth suggested that we could also invite them to observe some of our trials.

Pathology Test Reports.

Nematology (B. Brodie). This activity continues to offer all breeding programs screening for resistance to the golden nematode. Currently he is evaluating NY, ME, USDA (Beltsville), NB and Frito Lay material. He can screen for resistance to both races Ro1 and Ro2. Ro2 has been found on growers land where 5-6 years of successive plantings of Ro1-resistant lines has apparently selected for Ro2.
Early Blight and Powdery Scab (B. Christ). Reports on clone performance were distributed.
Late Blight, Corky Ringspot and TSWV (P. Weingartner) All three diseases were observed in Florida this year. Late blight reactions looked like race US-11. Corky ringspot data were distributed as well.
Ring Rot (D. Lambert). Ring rot test results were distributed.
Viruses (G. Sewell, Maine). One ARS line from WI and one AF line look to be resistant to PLRV. A brief report on these results is available from G. Sewell.
New pathologist. L. Wanner (BARC/USDA) will work with scab and has an interest in durable disease resistance.

Breeding Reports.

New York (W. De Jong and R. Plaisted). R. Plaisted mentioned that NY112 is being considered for release. It does well in PA, NY, ME. Farther west or south yields and specific gravity are observed to be reduced.
USDA, Beltsville (K. Haynes). Not present, but a written report was distributed.
North Carolina (C. Yencho). He is making a limited number of crosses, trying to fish out genes involved in leptine synthesis, and he is performing some early generation selection.
Maine (G. Porter). Planting plans were already in place when Al Reeves passed away last May. There is no written report this year, but one can find a progress report in the NE Potato Special Grant proposal. Interviews for a new potato breeder will start next week.
New Brunswick (G. Tai). Their breeding report was distributed. Their new policy on releases was described. Frying potato clones are evaluated for six years. Then interested parties can perform non-exclusive testing for a further two years. After this period parties may bid for three years of exclusive testing. Six year renewable license agreements are available after this time. Chipping potato are evaluated for eight years or more, and then bidding takes place after three years of exclusive evaluation. Ultimately six year renewable licenses are negotiated.

Results using cluster and AMMI analysis (G. Tai). AMMI and cluster analyses results were distributed. AMMI provides a simple, easy way to interpret and summarize multistate trial data. D. Halseth and a graduate student assembled the 1998-2001 data for analysis, which was distributed as a summary report.

Seed Orders. G. Porter distributed a shopping list of advanced clones. He noted that there were some seed quality problems this past year, and expressed hope to do better this coming year. They are now performing extra testing to ensure freedom from viruses and ring rot. Breeders seed constitutes an increasing percentage of the original propagules multiplied by NE-184 each year.

Old Business. B0564-8 and AF1753-16 were nominated to represent NE184 in the 2002 national trial. G. Porter reminded the group that last year we had decided to place all our reports up on a web site. A committee of C. Hutchinson, D. Halseth, B. Christ, D. Lambert formed to investigate development of a NE184 database and web site, and will report back to the technical committee next year. They will evaluate if we want/need a common data format for future field testing performance reporting.

Site committee selection report. Next years meeting is to be held in North Carolina, possibly Charlotte, Raleigh or Myrtle Beach. Date - January 23 and 24, 2003.

Nominations committee report. Next years Executive Committee are -- Matt Kleinhenz, Chair; Walter De Jong, Vice-chair; and Craig Yencho, Secretary.

Resolutions committee: (Adopted)

Whereas Dr Alvin F. Reeves, potato breeder and long-time NE-184 participant, passed away in May of 2001, let us observe a moment of silence in his memory and gratefully recognize his many NE-184 accomplishments and the years of friendship that we shared with him.

Meeting adjourned at 1:20 pm, January 19, 2002.

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

The NE-184 project was formed in the mid-1970s to respond to the trend to ever increasing proportions of potatoes being industrially processed for consumption. One goal was to replace pesticide dependency with naturally resistant selections carrying improved industrial-processing characteristics. Another goal was to increase the quality attributes of potatoes grown in the region to enhance their suitability for processing markets and fresh consumption. A third goal was to develop replacement potato cultivars that were less costly to grow and better suited to processing and regional fresh market niches. 2001 Outputs:Advanced clone testing: Nineteen advanced breeding lines were evaluated against 10 NE-184 "standards" in replicated field trials in 2001. As expected, performance varied by location. But several selections outperformed standard lines at several locations. Measures of performance included yield, yield of US#1 tubers, chipping color after storage, cooking characteristics, and specific gravity (an indicator of dry matter content). Germplasm trials: Several sites tested breeding materials of varying stages of development against named cultivars. Performance measures included total yield and size distributions, specific gravity and cooking characteristics. Additionally disease resistance and physiological defects were recorded. Several advanced breeding lines were identified that warrant additional scientific or commercial evaluation, based on yield, appearance, processing and/or cooking quality. Information from the 2001 trials will be used in future variety selections. Information from 2001 also provided breeders with information on the inheritance of specific traits and narrow versus broad adaptation of individual clones.

Publications

The accomplishments report by state is included as Appendix A of the meeting minutes. Please go to the minutes‘ url to view these reports. Kleinhenz, M.D., D.M. Kelly, E.C. Wittmeyer, B. Schult, D.R. Miskell, J.Y. Elliott, W.D. Bash, and R.J. Keller. 2001. Report of results from the 2000 Ohio potato germplasm evaluations, the North-central (NCR84) and Northeast (NE184) Regional Projects Cooperating, The OSU Horticulture and Crop Science Series No. 706, Jan. 2001. 53 pp. Kleinhenz, M.D., E.C. Wittmeyer, Mark A. Bennett, and Richard L. Hassell. 2001. Variety selection for resistance to abiotic stresses, a summary of Ohios involvement in the North-central and Northeast Regional Genetics and Breeding Projects. Potato Association of America Annual Meetings, 2001. Amer Jour Potato Res. In press. Kleinhenz, M.D., W.D. Bash, J.Y. Elliott, D.M. Kelly, B.Schult, G.W. Wenneker, and E.C. Wittmeyer. 2001. Ohio. In: National potato germplasm evaluation and enhancement report, 1999, seventieth annual report by cooperators. USDA-ARS, ARS-158. K.G. Haynes (ed.). pp. 253-266. Kleinhenz, M.D., E.C. Wittmeyer, and D.M. Kelly. 2001. Identification of potato varieties adapted to Ohio conditions An update on research at The OSU-OARDC in 2000. Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Congress and Ohio Roadside Marketing Conference, Feb. 7-9, 2001. Proceedings. pp. 118-119. Kleinhenz, M.D., E.C. Wittmeyer, D.M. Kelly, and W. Bash. 2001. Potato variety development and selection for Ohio. Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Congress and Ohio Roadside Marketing Conference, Feb. 7-9, 2001. Proceedings. pp. 123-124.

Impact Statements

As a result of this projects efforts many replacement potato cultivars have been adopted region-wide by growers. As a consequence of these cultivar replacements pesticide dependency has been reduced significantly in the region. Although reliable numbers on pesticide sales are not available from pesticide companies, testimonials by East coast potato growers attest to the reduced need to spray crops for diseases and insect pests on the replacement cultivars. Moreover, the substitution of golden n
One of the greatest successes of the project is the ability to predict on-farm cultivar performance, based on field test results obtained by the project from plots planted from maritime Canada to Florida. These tests have allowed for the selection of cultivars that are either broadly adapted, or adapted to specific environment. As a result, the NE-184 developed cultivars are known to perform well in varied soil and climatic conditions. Moreover, potato grower participation in the on-farm demonst
A study by the International Potato Center (Lima, Peru) on the economic returns for NE-184 investments has shown an annual rate of return from the NE-184 activities to exceed 40%, for a total net farm value that exceeds $14 million. This rate of return and the resulting pay-off competes favorably with some of the best internal rates of return obtained from agricultural research and extension investments.