Superior (Solanum tuberosum)

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ORIGIN: Selection from a cross between B96-56 (also a parent of Kennebec) and M59.44 in 1951 and was tested as Wis AG29. Released by the University of Wisconsin breeding program in 1962.

CHARACTERISTICS: A medium-early maturing variety with moderately high yields. Plants are medium sized, erect to spreading. Stems are reddish purple at the base and internodes, green at the nodes, and have prominent wings.

Plant size and growth habit are similar to those of Irish Cobbler. Plant maturity is slightly later than Irish Cobbler. Leaves are dull green and small with the terminal leaflet ovate to round. Primary leaflets are arched symmetrical at the base; secondary leaflets occur on the midrib between pairs of primary leaflets. Flowers are pale pink-lilac with white tips and margins which gives a striped effect. The variety sets open-pollinated fruit. Tubers are round to oblong, slightly irregular with medium deep eyes and white flesh. The skin is buff in color and has a tendency to form a light, flaky net. Tubers are set deep on short stolons and separate readily from the vines at early harvest dates. Tuber dormancy is similar to that of Irish Cobbler and shorter than Atlantic.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: Superior is the primary early fresh market variety in those areas shipping directly to market from the field. Yield potential is moderately high with minimum skinning due to harvesting and grading. This variety is resistant to net necrosis and common scab; relatively resistant to internal heat necrosis; susceptible to blackleg, fusarium, leaf roll, viruses X and Y; and highly susceptible to Verticillium wilt. Tubers are susceptible to pressure bruise in long-term storage, particularly in bulk piles.