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ORIGIN: Released in 1978 by the United States Department of Agriculture - Beltsville, and the Agricultural Experiment Stations of Florida and Maine. BelRus was selected from the cross W245-2 X evaluated Penobscot and evaluated under the pedigree B7147-8.
CHARACTERISTICS: BelRus is adapted to the growing conditions in the northeastern United States and northern Florida. Although the total yield potential of BelRus is lower than that of Russet Burbank, the more consistently uniform, well-shaped, smooth tubers of BelRus result in a greater yield of marketable tubers when grown in most areas in the Eastern U.S. Specific gravity of BelRus is generally higher than either Russet Burbank or Norgold Russet. Plants of BelRus are of medium maturity, small and upright. Stems have medium, prominent wings and slightly swollen nodes. Leaves are small with numerous secondary leaflets, few tertiary leaflets and slightly pubescent midribs and petioles. Flowers have pink buds, dark pink corollas and orange anthers. Tubers are long and slightly flattened, with shallow, well-distributed eyes. Skin is heavily russeted except immediately adjacent to the eyes which may not be russeted. Tuber flesh is cream in color. Tuber dormancy is medium. STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: BelRus has exceptional culinary quality for baking, french fry and flake production. It is immune to potato virus A and leaf roll virus, highly resistant to northern root knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla); moderately resistant to potato virus Y, Verticillium wilt, and scab. It has high tolerance to bruising and storage rots; but is susceptible to early blight. During periods of high temperature or moisture stress, necrotic spotting may develop on the leaves. Drought stress, particularly during early- to mid-bulking can greatly reduce tuber yield. Low yield is a major limitation in many areas. Susceptibility to internal heat necrosis has been noted in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. |
