University Of Maine & Maine Potato Board Release New Potato Variety, Caribou Russet

The University of Maine (UM) and the Maine Potato Board (MPB) have released a new potato variety, Caribou Russet. The Caribou Russet was tested under the research identification number (AF3362-1) and resulted from a cross between Silverton Russet and Reeves Kingpin. Developed by the University of Maine, the new variety is a dual-purpose, russet-skinned variety with high yields, mid-season maturity and moderate common scab resistance. It is also resistant to golden nematode race Ro1 and is moderately resistant to Verticillium wilt. The new variety has good baked and mashed quality for fresh market consumption and is also expected to be useful for processing markets.

In addressing the release of this new variety, Tim Hobbs, director of development and grower relations for the MPB, said, “Potatoes are bred for a multitude of characteristics. Everything from disease resistance to improved fry color. To get the right combination of characteristics in one variety takes a large investment in time and resources. Eventually this investment pays off. The result of the investment in Maine is the release of this new variety out of the breeding program that Dr. Greg Porter oversees at the University of Maine.”

Following along with the two varieties released last year, the Easton and Sebec, the MPB directors voted to license the Caribou Russet, which Dr. Porter named after the city in central Aroostook County.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Maine Potato Board