Promising lines will be released for commercial production through the Western Seed Potato Consortium. Thirty-seven promising advanced breeding lines were grown on a large scale under standard irrigation management practices. These lines were harvested and displayed at a field day conducted for members of the Western Canadian seed potato growers. For russets, Ranger Russet produced the highest marketable yield and lowest over-size yield. Cultivar Sant produced the overall highest yield.
Higher yields tend to be a function of increased tuber numbers and heavier tuber weights.
First, as a cooperator in the Prairie Regional Potato Trials, we plant and manage five cultivar evaluation trials containing about 400 lines. Second, we produce seed for the five regional trial sites in the Prairies. Third, we participate with industry in the evaluation of advanced cultivars that have graduated from the regional trials. We also cooperate in the Cross Canada Trial and North Central Trial. Approximately 400 lines were grown in five Regional Trials at Brooks.