Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a high value crop in Florida. It consistently ranks in the top five valued vegetable crops produced in the state. The identification of new potato varieties that improve production efficiency is an imperative because of constantly evolving market and production demands. A chip potato variety evaluation experiment was conducted in northeast Florida in 2002 to compare the production characteristics of industry standards to advanced selections. The potato varieties evaluated in this experiment were bred specifically for processing by the potato chip industry. The experimental design was a four (site) by five (variety) factorial with four replications at each site. The sites were the University of Florida's research farm in Hastings, FL and three commercial farms in the surrounding area. Potato varieties were two seed sources of `Atlantic', as well as, `Snowden', B0564-8, and B0766-3. Marketable yield for each variety was 39.4, 33.4, 38.4, 33.6, and 33.6 t·ha-1 (351, 298, 343, 300, and 300 cwt/acre), respectively. Total yield of B0564-8 was statistically equivalent to an `Atlantic' standard at all four locations and similar to `Snowden' at three of four locations. Specific gravity of B0564-8 and B0766-3 was significantly lower than that of `Atlantic' from both sources but within acceptable range for chip potatoes. B0564-8 tubers had the highest overall appearance ratings and the most consistent size and shape. B0564-8 and B0766-3 tubers had a significantly lower percentage of hollow heart and internal heat necrosis than `Atlantic' tubers. This resulted in overall better chip ratings for the numbered entries compared to `Atlantic' tubers. A potential fit for B0564-8 and B0766-3 in northeastern Florida production may be as a late season chip variety when the potential for the development of internal heat necrosis increases.
University of Florida Potato Variety Trials Spotlight: Elkton