This Smorgasbord takes a look at Highland Russet, which, after seeing a lull in popularity since its introduction in 2006, is seeing a bit of a resurgence, particularly in Canada. A drought-tolerant, light-skinned, mid- to late-season variety used in both the fresh and processing markets, Highland Russet seed acreage in Canada has more than doubled over the past three years.
For information on Highland Russet seed, visit www.pvmi.org.
Strengths
- High yields with high percentage of U.S. No. 1s
- Moderately high specific gravity
- Resistant to second growth, hollow heart and most internal defects
- Large tubers with excellent conformation and uniformity
Management
- Nitrogen requirements similar to Russet Burbank
- Significantly more resistant to water stress-related tuber defects than Russet Burbank
- Plant water uptake decreases appreciably in late August, so irrigation application rates need to be adjusted according to soil moisture measurements.
- Vines should be killed two to three weeks before harvest to allow for proper skin maturation and chemical maturity.
Disease Ratings
- Common scab: moderately resistant
- PVYO: moderately resistant
- Tuber late blight: moderately resistant
- Verticillium: moderately susceptible
- Net necrosis: moderately susceptible
- Soft rot: moderately susceptible
- Early blight: moderately susceptible
- PVYN: susceptible
- Corky ringspot: susceptible
- Foliar late blight: susceptible
