This article appears in the August 2018 issue of Potato Grower.
This 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.
Tissue culture plantlets and nuclear seed are available from the Maine Seed Potato Board. Maine certified seed is currently available.
Pedigree
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
