Robinson and Shail were successful using conventional breeding techniques, but only after making hundreds of crosses. The two new potato varieties were developed by Robert Plaisted, a Cornell professor emeritus and a highly respected potato breeder. Plaisted's hallmark contribution to the New York potato industry is that all potatoes released by his program are resistant to the golden nematode. This pest, unique in this country to New York state, can significantly impact yield and marketing of the crop and is most efficiently controlled using environmentally safe plant resistance. Certified seed for both potatoes will be available for the 1998 growing season.
New varieties are the result of long-term collaboration among researchers and industry.
Only the very best selections among thousands are ever released for commercial use to nurseries and seeds companies. Finding the right one is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Varieties can require as many as 10 to 15 years to breed, test and evaluate, and another 10 to 20 years before they are commercially accepted. The squash and the lettuce and the potatoes are important because of their disease resistance. The raspberries will help growers meet the demand for berries all summer long.