Dune Russet (COTX08063-2Ru) is the first French fry russet potato cultivar released by the Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program. It derives from a cross made by the Colorado State University Potato Program between Premier Russet and A99073-1 and was subsequently selected and advanced by the Texas Program. Dune Russet has oblong potato tubers with light russet skin texture and white flesh. It is characterized by having excellent F...

Quality seed of the ideal size and type (i.e., whole-seed tubers or cut seed pieces) is critical in achieving uniform plant stands and optimal economic returns in commercial potato production. A survey assessed the performance of commercial seed cutting operations during 2021–22 to document the range of seed piece sizes planted in Washington. In addition, two field trials examined seed size performance (28, 42, 56, 70, 84, and...

Potato tuber length-to-width ratio (L/W) is an important trait for consumer visual acceptance, pack-out efficiency, French fry production, and waste recovery. In the U.S. Northwest Potato Variety Development Program (NWPVDP), L/W accounts for 13% of the overall postharvest score. Selections with L/W ≥ 1.8 are preferred for maximum raw-product recovery (≥ 7.6-cm-long fries). However, tuber shape often depends on production loca...

With a rising global population and looming water shortages in the U.S., there is a pressing need for water-efficient farming methods. The water needs of potato plants decrease in the late season due to foliage aging and tuber maturation. Therefore, proper late-season irrigation is vital in preventing water waste and maximizing potato profits. This study assessed the feasibility of reducing late-season irrigation to improve cr...

Given the increasing challenges of water scarcity and the stringent quality requirements of the frozen potato-processing industry, this multi-year research trial aimed to determine whether reduced late-season irrigation on potatoes could improve French fry color. The study was conducted near Othello, WA, and was comprised of five irrigation levels: 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of modeled evapotranspiration (ET), and five pota...

‘Rainier Russet’ was released in 2020 as a medium- to late-maturing selection with russeted tubers. Total yields are less, but similar to controls ‘Ranger Russet’ and ‘Russet Burbank’, and U.S. No. 1 yields are higher than Russet Burbank with increased tubers > 284 g. Compared to controls, it has high protein levels, high specific gravity, excellent fry color and flavor ratings, low acrylamide potential, good post-harvest meri...