To develop new potato cultivars with increased yield, improved quality, resistance to diseases and pests, and tolerance to environmental stresses. To provide a basic seed source of selections to certified seed growers for increase and commercial testing. To evaluate promising selections for possible seed export. 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. 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. Since 1975, there have been five potatoes cultivars developed by this project.