These processes for developing new cultivars are conventional plant breeding and biotechnology, selection through multi-site evaluation, and monitored released of the best materials to the potato growing community. Currently, there are two states and one federal potato breeding programs providing advanced materials appropriate to the region. In addition, Agriculture Canada and Agri-Food Canada have breeding programs appropriate for the northeastern region. The mechanism for evaluating these cultivars involves distribution of uniform planting materials to participating university programs for standardized evaluation and selection, and the development of specific production recommendations for each cultivar released to the grower community. These sequenced activities cannot be accomplished by institutions working alone.
Collaboration is imperative.
Determine the heritability of traits of economic importance and improve the genetic base of tetraploid potatoes. Identify and quantify significant climate and cultural effects on the performance of potato selections. Develop regional performance models that will help growers select appropriate cultivars for their environment, climate and soil types. Availability of more specialty varieties for the consumer. Reduced input costs in terms of insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and chemical sprout inhibitors.