Potato Cultivar Trial

The trial objective was to identify potato cultivars with good quality for processing or fresh-market use adapted to Iowa growing conditions. Several cultivars were planted in replicated trials on April 14, 2004, and on April 18, 2005, in rows 38 in. apart and in plots consisting of twenty-two seed pieces spaced 11 in. apart. Potatoes were grown in a sandy soil and with overhead irrigation. The 2004 mild temperatures and favorable growing conditions led to excellent yields and quality (see Potato Cultivar Trial, Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2004, FG 601). The 2005 growing season was a little more challenging with above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall, necessitating frequent irrigations. Because of the weather, yields and quality were just fair to good in 2005. Plots were harvested at about the same time area commercial fields were—late July to early August. Performance data between cultivars were similar for both years. Table 1 presents this year’s findings, while Table 2 provides an average of 2004 and 2005