Lemhi Russet: A new high yielding potato variety with wide adaptation, attractive tubers, and high internal quality

Lemhi Russet, a new oblong, russet-skinned potato variety, was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Experiment Stations of Idaho, Oregon, California, Washington, and North Dakota on September 23, 1980. The tubers of Lemhi Russet have been blockier, larger, 6% higher in solids, 50% lower in reducing sugars, and 25% higher in vitamin C than those of Russet Burbank. Lemhi Russet has averaged 34% more U.S. No. 1 tubers than Russet Burbank in 6 years of trials in five states. It was superior to Norgold Russet in yield and specific gravity in early harvest trials. In pilot plant and laboratory trials, Lemhi Russet made excellent french fries, baked well with a mealy texture, but sloughed when boiled. Lemhi Russet has a high degree of resistance to scab and net necrosis, but is susceptible to potato viruses S, X, Y, and to the leafroll virus. It is also susceptible to bruising and blackspot.