Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/775473
WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 53 USDA's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Oregon State University and the University of Idaho through the Northwest Potato Variety Development Program, commonly called the Tri-State Program. "Burbank has disease issues and requires high soil fertility and water," said Pavek, an associate professor and potato specialist in WSU's horticulture department. "And it has a lower yield of the highest-grade tubers because it's susceptible to so many stress- related disorders…We need something to replace it that still makes fries McDonald's will accept." A new variety can take 10 to 15 years to come to market from the time plants are first cross-pollinated, making it difficult to quickly replace a reliable yet inefficient potato. So when McDonald's officially accepted the Clearwater Russet and Blazer Russet, everyone in the Tri-State Program rejoiced. "These are the first two varieties McDonald's has added from our program since 2000," Knowles said. "And they only have seven varieties on their list now, four of which were developed by the Tri-State Program. They're very selective." Since the announcement, Knowles said, the potato industry has ramped up production of seed for the two new russet varieties because demand always increases when McDonald's, the largest buyer of potatoes in the world, accepts a new variety. The increase in production will help the Tri-State breeding program, which earns royalties on varieties it develops. "Those royalties, split among the three universities and the USDA-ARS, will allow us to keep developing newer and even more efficient and nutritious varieties," Knowles said. And the Clearwater Russet comes with an unexpected, though nutritious, side effect: 33 percent higher protein concentration than Burbank. "Potatoes are already very nutritious, with high levels of vitamin C and a good balance of amino acids," Pavek said. "But Clearwater Russets are even better. It's a nice little add- on to an already great potato." LIKE NO OTHER. RELIABLE IRRIGATION PERFORMANCE… Planetary Gear Drive Contact T-L, your T-L dealer, or visit www.tlirr.com to learn more. Electric Center Pivot T-L Center Pivot RECOVER YOUR LOST PRODUCTION WITH T-L. T-L's exclusive hydrostatic design provides continuous movement eliminating the "spoking" effect caused by the start-stop operation of electrically-powered pivot irrigation systems. T-L EXCLUSIVE PLANETARY GEAR DRIVE. Guaranteed for 8 years/24,000 hours – Like No Other! C E R T I F I E D Q U A L I T Y ISO 9001 T-L ... LIKE NO OTHER. www.tlirr.com 151 East Hwy 6 & AB Road · P.O. Box 1047 Hastings, Nebraska 68902-1047 USA Phone: 1-402-462-4128 Fax: 1-402-462-4617 sales@tlirr.com · www.tlirr.com TL-405B.indd 1 1/12/17 11:08 AM 165508TLIrr12v.indd 1 1/12/17 10:23 AM USDA potato breeders Chuck Brown and Rich Novy, along with many industry and university representatives, select new potato varieties near Hermiston, Ore.