"AmaRosa," a Red Skinned, Red Fleshed Fingerling with High Phytonutrient Value

The diversity of traits in varieties of potato outside of its South American birthplace is a small subset of that available in the Andean center of origin. Among the traits that evoke most interest are skin and flesh pigments. Recent studies have pointed to the high antioxidant activity and potential healthful benefits from these pigments or other antioxidant compounds. The market for potatoes with unusual color patterns has been supplied largely by heirloom varieties of uncertain origin and the highly successful Yukon Gold. Interest has intensified and been transformed into a focused effort in the breeding of specialty varieties, remarkable for their unusual colors. The purpose of this paper is to describe a new potato variety in the Fingerling Class with red skin and red flesh.This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the Potato Association of America and published by Springer. It can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/1099-209x/Keywords: Fingerling, ORAC, Anthocyanin, Antioxidant

Cover crops prove effective at increasing soil nitrogen for organic potato production

Many farms in northeast California are experimenting with organic production to take advantage of price premiums and niche markets. A common challenge in organic farming is finding dependable nitrogen sources to meet the needs of vegetable and grass crops, especially in fields with low soil nitrogen. This study assessed the use of cover crops and organic amendments for increasing soil nitrogen for potato production at the Intermountain Research and Extension Center in Tulelake. Researchers evaluated several cover crop species, three planting dates and multiple cover crop mixes. Amendments included composts, manures, bloodmeal and soymeal. The data collected in the study included total nitrogen from cover crops and amendments, plant-available nitrogen in the soil, potato petiole nitrate and crop yield and quality. Vetches and field peas, managed as green manure, were successful at satisfying potatoes' in-season nitrogen demand. These cover crops, grown alone or in mixes with non-legume species, produced potato crops whose yield and quality were similar to crops grown with conventional fertilizers. The cover crops' influence on potato pest pressure was neutral. Chicken manure was the most cost-effective amendment for satisfying potatoes' in-season nitrogen demand

Klamath Basin Potato Variety Development Summary : 2009

Since its inception in 1985, the Tri-State variety development program has primarily focused on the development of processing and dual-purpose (process and fresh) russets. Recent breeding efforts have focused more on improving genetic resistance to various pests and diseases as a means of lowering production costs. During the past decade, Oregon has been the lead state in the release of eleven russet varieties. Although the development of russet varieties remains the primary focus, recent efforts have included red-skinned and specialty-type selections. Many of these selections offer unique skin and/or flesh color combinations along with enhanced nutritional qualities including elevated antioxidant and Vitamin C content. In total, more than 25 new varieties have been released by the Tri-State variety development program since 1985. More recently Klamath Basin growers have identified the need for chipping potatoes suitable for export markets. Trials were initiated in 2008 and 2009, with funding from the Oregon Potato Commission, to identify acceptable chipping varieties using advanced selections and recently released varieties from the Tri-State, Southwest, North-central, and Eastern breeding programs. Screening for resistance to various species of nematodes and related diseases is being accomplished at several locations. The Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) routinely screens selections for resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne hapla) and corky ringspot disease (CRS) resulting from infection of Tobacco rattle virus which is vectored by stubby-root (Paratrichodorus spp.) nematodes. Other cooperating sites within the Tri-State area also work on resistant screening and other production limitations most suited to their respective location. The overall objective is that future releases will offer genetic resistance to many economically important pests and diseases which will help reduce production inputs as these costs continue to rise. The Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) also serves as an initial field screening location for first-generation selections of russet, specialty, and chipping clones (single-hills). Second-year evaluations of four-hill red/specialty and chip selections also take place in Klamath; however, russet selections are currently sent to the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center (COARC). Breeding progeny are supplied by programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility in Prosser, Washington, and Aberdeen, Idaho, as well as, Oregon State University (OSU), Colorado State University, and North Dakota State University. The purpose of this summary booklet is to report the results of our variety trial efforts. In 2009, KBREC participated in the following research trials: Russet Preliminary Yield 2 (PYT-2), Statewide Russet, Tri-state Russet, Western Regional Russet, Red/Specialty PYT- 1, Statewide Specialty, Tri-state Specialty, Western Regional Red/Specialty, and a modified Western Regional Chip Trial. A brief summary of weather during the growing season, insect trapping results, single-hill selections, and specialty 4-hill selections are also included in this research summary

Klamath Basin Potato Variety Development Summary : 2011

Since its inception in 1985, the Tri-State variety development program has primarily focused on the development of processing and dual-purpose (process and fresh) russets. Recent breeding efforts have focused more on improving genetic resistance to various pests and diseases as a means of lowering production costs. During the past decade, Oregon has been the lead state in the release of eleven russet varieties. Although the development of russet varieties remains the primary focus, recent efforts have included red-skinned and specialty-type selections. Many of these selections offer unique skin and/or flesh color combinations along with enhanced nutritional qualities including elevated antioxidant and Vitamin C content. In total, more than 30 new varieties have been released by the Tri-State variety development program since 1985. More recently Klamath Basin growers have identified the need for chipping potatoes suitable for export markets. Trials were initiated in 2008, with funding from the Oregon Potato Commission, to identify acceptable chipping varieties using advanced selections and recently released varieties from the Tri-State, Southwest, North-central, and Eastern breeding programs. This past season was the fourth year of this continued effort. During the 2011 growing season, Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) assumed the responsibilities of supplying seed potatoes for statewide, tri-state and regional variety development and breeding efforts. Roughly ten acres were planted, and 1,117 clones were harvested in the fall of 2011. Most of this material will be shipped to cooperators for trialing in the 2012 season. Screening for resistance to various species of nematodes and related diseases is being accomplished at several locations. KBREC routinely screens selections for resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne hapla) and corky ringspot disease (CRS) resulting from infection of Tobacco rattle virus which is vectored by stubby-root (Paratrichodorus spp.) nematodes. Other cooperating sites within the Tri-State area also work on resistant screening and other production limitations most suited to their respective location. The overall objective is that future releases will offer genetic resistance to many economically important pests and diseases which will help reduce production inputs as these costs continue to rise. The Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) also serves as an initial field screening location for first-generation selections of russet, specialty, and chipping clones (single-hills). Second-year evaluations of four-hill red/specialty and chip selections also take place in Klamath; however, russet selections are currently sent to the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center (COARC). Breeding progeny are supplied by programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility in Prosser, Washington, and Aberdeen, Idaho, as well as, Oregon State University (OSU), Colorado State University, and North Dakota State University. The purpose of this summary booklet is to report the results of our variety trial efforts. In 2011, KBREC participated in the following research trials: Russet Preliminary Yield 2 (PYT-2), Statewide Russet, Tri-state Russet, Western Regional Russet, Red/Specialty PYT- 1, Statewide Specialty, Tri-state Specialty, Western Regional Red/Specialty, PYT-1 Chip, modified Western Regional Chip Trial, and a Chip Seed Spacing Trial. A brief summary of weather during the growing season, insect trapping results, single-hill selections, and specialty 4-hill selections are also included in this research summary

Klamath Basin Potato Variety Development Summary : 2008

Since its inception in 1985, the Tri-State variety development program has primarily focused on the development of processing and dual-purpose (process and fresh) russets. Recent breeding efforts have focused more on improving genetic resistance to various pests and diseases as a means of lowering production costs. During the past decade, Oregon has been the lead state in the release of eleven russet varieties. Although the development of russet varieties remains the primary focus, recent efforts have included red-skinned and specialty-type selections. Many of these selections offer unique skin and/or flesh color combinations along with enhanced nutritional qualities including elevated antioxidant and Vitamin C content. In total, more than 25 new varieties have been released by the Tri-State variety development program since 1985. More recently Klamath Basin growers have identified the need for chipping potatoes suitable for export markets. Trials were initiated in 2008, with funding from the Oregon Potato Commission, to identify acceptable chipping varieties using advanced selections and recently released varieties from the Tri-State, Southwest, North-central, and Eastern breeding programs. Screening for resistance to various species of nematodes and related diseases is being accomplished at several locations. The Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) routinely screens selections for resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne hapla) and corky ringspot disease (CRS) resulting from infection of Tobacco rattle virus which is vectored by stubby-root (Paratrichodorus spp.) nematodes. Other cooperating sites within the Tri-State area also work on resistant screening and other production limitations most suited to their respective location. The overall objective is that future releases will offer genetic resistance to many economically important pests and diseases which will help reduce production inputs as these costs continue to rise. The Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) also serves as an initial field screening location for first-generation selections of russet, specialty, and chipping clones (single-hills). Second-year evaluations of four-hill red/specialty and chip selections also take place in Klamath; however, russet selections are currently sent to the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center (COARC). Breeding progeny are supplied by programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility in Aberdeen, Idaho, as well as, Oregon State University (OSU). The purpose of this summary booklet is to report the results of our variety trial efforts. In 2009, KBREC participated in the following research trials: Russet Preliminary Yield 2 (PYT-2), Statewide Russet, Western Regional Russet, Red/Specialty PYT- 1, Statewide Specialty, Western Regional Red/Specialty, and a modified Western Regional Chip Trial. A brief summary of weather during the growing season, insect trapping results, single-hill selections, and specialty 4-hill selections are also included in this research summary

Klamath Basin Potato Variety Development Summary : 2010

Since its inception in 1985, the Tri-State variety development program has primarily focused on the development of processing and dual-purpose (process and fresh) russets. Recent breeding efforts have focused more on improving genetic resistance to various pests and diseases as a means of lowering production costs. During the past decade, Oregon has been the lead state in the release of eleven russet varieties. Although the development of russet varieties remains the primary focus, recent efforts have included red-skinned and specialty-type selections. Many of these selections offer unique skin and/or flesh color combinations along with enhanced nutritional qualities including elevated antioxidant and Vitamin C content. In total, more than 30 new varieties have been released by the Tri-State variety development program since 1985. More recently Klamath Basin growers have identified the need for chipping potatoes suitable for export markets. Trials were initiated in 2008, with funding from the Oregon Potato Commission, to identify acceptable chipping varieties using advanced selections and recently released varieties from the Tri-State, Southwest, North-central, and Eastern breeding programs. This past season was the third year of this continued effort. Screening for resistance to various species of nematodes and related diseases is being accomplished at several locations. The Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) routinely screens selections for resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne hapla) and corky ringspot disease (CRS) resulting from infection of Tobacco rattle virus which is vectored by stubby-root (Paratrichodorus spp.) nematodes. Other cooperating sites within the Tri-State area also work on resistant screening and other production limitations most suited to their respective location. The overall objective is that future releases will offer genetic resistance to many economically important pests and diseases which will help reduce production inputs as these costs continue to rise. The Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) also serves as an initial field screening location for first-generation selections of russet, specialty, and chipping clones (single-hills). Second-year evaluations of four-hill red/specialty and chip selections also take place in Klamath; however, russet selections are currently sent to the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center (COARC). Breeding progeny are supplied by programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility in Prosser, Washington, and Aberdeen, Idaho, as well as, Oregon State University (OSU), Colorado State University, and North Dakota State University. The purpose of this summary booklet is to report the results of our variety trial efforts. In 2010, KBREC participated in the following research trials: Russet Preliminary Yield 2 (PYT-2), Statewide Russet, Tri-state Russet, Western Regional Russet, Red/Specialty PYT- 1, Statewide Specialty, Tri-state Specialty, Western Regional Red/Specialty, PYT-1 Chip, modified Western Regional Chip Trial, and a Chip Seed Spacing Trial. A brief summary of weather during the growing season, insect trapping results, single-hill selections, and specialty 4-hill selections are also included in this research summary

Diploid mint (M. longifolia) can produce spearmint type oil with a high yield potential

AbstractMint oil is a key source of natural flavors with wide industrial applications. Two unbalanced polyploid cultivars named Native (Mentha Spicata L) and Scotch (M. × gracilis Sole) are the main producers of spearmint type oil, which is characterized by high levels of the monoterpenes (−)-carvone and (−)-limonene. These cultivars have been the backbone of spearmint oil production for decades, while breeding and improvement remained largely unexplored, in part, due to sterility in cultivated lines. Here we show that sexual breeding at the diploid level can be leveraged to develop new varieties that produce spearmint type oil, along with the improvement of other important traits. Using field trials and GC-FID oil analysis we characterized plant materials from a public germplasm repository and identified a diploid accession that exhibited 89.5% increase in oil yield, compared to the industry standard, and another that produces spearmint type oil. Spearmint-type oil was present at high frequency in a segregating F2 population (32/160) produced from these two accessions. Field-testing of ten of these F2 lines showed segregation for oil yield and confirmed the production of spearmint-type oil profiles. Two of these lines combined high yield and spearmint-type oil with acceptable analytic and sensory profiles. These results demonstrate that spearmint-type oil can be produced in a diploid background with high yield potential, providing a simpler genetic system for the development of improved spearmint varieties.</jats:p

Diploid mint (M. longifolia) can produce spearmint type oil with a high yield potential.

Mint oil is a key source of natural flavors with wide industrial applications. Two unbalanced polyploid cultivars named Native (Mentha Spicata L) and Scotch (M. × gracilis Sole) are the main producers of spearmint type oil, which is characterized by high levels of the monoterpenes (-)-carvone and (-)-limonene. These cultivars have been the backbone of spearmint oil production for decades, while breeding and improvement remained largely unexplored, in part, due to sterility in cultivated lines. Here we show that sexual breeding at the diploid level can be leveraged to develop new varieties that produce spearmint type oil, along with the improvement of other important traits. Using field trials and GC-FID oil analysis we characterized plant materials from a public germplasm repository and identified a diploid accession that exhibited 89.5% increase in oil yield, compared to the industry standard, and another that produces spearmint type oil. Spearmint-type oil was present at high frequency in a segregating F2 population (32/160) produced from these two accessions. Field-testing of ten of these F2 lines showed segregation for oil yield and confirmed the production of spearmint-type oil profiles. Two of these lines combined high yield and spearmint-type oil with acceptable analytic and sensory profiles. These results demonstrate that spearmint-type oil can be produced in a diploid background with high yield potential, providing a simpler genetic system for the development of improved spearmint varieties