Key Production Stages: Model System Comparisons
Norgold Russet, a short-season russet-skinned variety grown in the panhandle of Nebraska, is the model depicted in the time-line presented here (Table 1). The growth of the stem and tuber of this variety are shown in Figure 2.
A comparison of this early-russet model is made with Atlantic, a mid-season white variety, and Russet Burbank, an indeterminate, long-season russet variety (Figure 2). Data were collected from russet varieties (Norgold Russet, Russet Norkotah, Russet Burbank, Hilite Russet, and Krantz), white varieties (Atlantic, Monona, Norchip, Snowden, and Wischip), and red varieties (Red Cloud, Red LaSoda and Red Norland). These varieties and their relative performance in Nebraska is described in Pavlista et al, 1992.
Potato varieties show similar growth patterns. That of the variety Superior, a short to mid-season white variety, as grown in a greenhouse is shown in Figure 3 (Pavlista, 1993). Note that vine growth dominates during the first half of the season and that tuber growth dominates in the second half. The basic logarithmic growth of the Norgold Russet variety is typical for a white-skinned mid-season variety such as Atlantic (Figure 2). Long-season, indeterminate varieties such as Russet Burbank show a continuous vine growth until cold weather or vine desiccation. The tuber growth still shows a similar pattern although later in the season (Figure 2).
Figure 2:
References:
- Pavlista, A.D. 1993. Morphological changes and yield enhancement of Superior potatoes by AC 243,654. Am Potato J 70:49-59.
- Pavlista, A.D., L.E. Williams and C.S. Gall. 1992. Nebraska potato cultivar tests: 1989-1991. Univ. Nebraska Coop. Extension Circ. #92-1247.