Potato variety trials (Alabama)

In 1958, 29 varieties were grown in replicated yield tests and 107 in 5-hill plots for observation. Twenty-one varieties in the yield tests were earlier in maturity than Russet Sebago. Three varieties were higher in solids than the check. None outyielded Russet Sebago but 3 that were earlier in maturity were in the same class in yield. The chip color of twenty-seven varieties scored 80 or higher in color. The chip color of seventy of the varieties planted for observation ranged from 85 to 90 in color. In 1959 the yield tests were planted on February 18 in 4 randomized blocks. Two blocks were harvested May 26, and two on June 17. There were no significant differences in color of chips made from the tubers harvested on the two dates. The percentages of solids were lower on June 17 than they were three weeks earlier. Rain and hot temperatures in the interim increased yields but the dry matter content didn’t keep pace. From the 178 seedling varieties planted for observation, 28 were selected for further tests. They were all higher in solids than Russet Sebago and chip color ranged from 80 to 89 with an average of 85.