Potato Grower

30 POTATO GROWER | AUGUST 2018 PINTO GOLD PINTO GOLD T his month's Smorgasbord looks at Pinto Gold, a just- released variety developed by the University of Maine Potato Breeding (initial cross from USDA-ARS research station in Aberdeen, Idaho). Pinto Gold is a high-yielding, yellow-fleshed specialty variety with excellent roasting and eating quality. PEDIGREE • A99331-2 × USA147-96RY MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS • Oblong tubers with smooth skin, shallow eyes and distinctive red and yellow "pinto" coloration patterns • Adapted to cool, northern growing areas and produces a high yield of small tubers under these conditions. • Large plants with medium-green foliage, red-violet flowers and late maturity • Bell- or pear-shaped, misshapen tubers are common • Moderate specific gravity (1.072 to 1.078) typically in an ideal range for the fresh market PRODUCTION AND MARKETING • Excellent roasted, but can also be used for boiling, pan frying and salads • Tuber texture can be described as creamy or waxy • Larger tubers excellent for baking DISEASE & DEFECT RESISTANCE • Good blackspot bruise resistance • Moderate resistance to shatter bruise • No major hollow heart problems observed to date • No major disease problems • Resistance to common Northeast potato diseases not yet identified WEAKNESSES • Typically does not produce good yields or quality tubers in hot climates • Susceptible to stem-end decay, which can be reduced with a uniform, moderate moisture supply S M O R GA S B OR D THE S M O R GA S B OR D

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