Red Pontiac (Solanum tuberosum)

SYNONYM: Dakota Chief

ORIGIN: A deeper red color mutant selected from Pontiac which was released in 1938 by USDA and Michigan. Selection was made in 1945 by Weston in Florida.

CHARACTERISTICS: A late season variety with round to oblong tubers with a dark red skin which may sometimes be netted. Tubers have medium to deep eyes, white flesh and low specific gravity. The variety is widely adapted with high yield potential. Red Pontiac is grown primarily for fresh market use and, in eastern Canada for offshore seed export.

Plants are large, slightly spreading with thick stems that are prominently angled. Nodes are slightly reddish purple, wings are prominent and double. Flowers are large, light purple with white tips.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES: Susceptible to most common potato diseases. It has an attractive appearance when cultural management limits production of oversized tubers. Without uniform soil moisture during growing season, knobbiness and second growth may occur, particularly on the larger tubers. It generally has good storage properties with a medium to long dormancy. It is susceptible to bruising and is reported to have some tolerance to drought. Red Pontiac is known for its resistance to after cooking darkening.