Increased emphasis has been placed on developing germplasm with early bight, late blight and soft rot resistance. One hundred four seedling families were grown in the greenhouse producing 41,119 tubers for initial field selection in 1997. A total of 76,272 first-year seedlings were planted, with 693 being selected for further observation. Another 946 clones were in 12-hill preliminary, and intermediate stages of selection. The basic objective of the Colorado potato breeding program is to develop new potato cultivars with increased yield, improved quality, resistance to diseases and pests, and tolerance to environmental stresses.
Primary emphasis is placed on developing fresh and processing russets, chippers, and reds.
Additional emphasis is being placed on developing specialty cultivars. Approximately 45,000 seedlings tubers were produced from selected 1994 and 1996 crosses for initial field selection in 1998. Second thru fourth size tubers will be distributed to Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, and Alberta, Canada. Approximately 72,000 first-year seedlings were grown in 1997 with 820 being selected for subsequent planting, evaluation, and increase in future years. A portion of these seedlings were obtained from breeding programs located in Idaho, Texas, and Canada.