Small-Scale Fresh Market Potato Variety Trial Results
Margie Lund, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This year, the Cornell Vegetable Program planted a potato variety trial focused on commercially available fresh market potato varieties, with the small-scale potato grower in mind. This trial allowed us to test different varieties of potatoes that might be of interest to consumers at farm markets and see how well they perform in a western NY climate. In this overview, we share overall yield results from the trial as well as some details on some stand out varieties.

- Vivaldi (yellow skin, yellow flesh) was a standout variety in the trial and the highest yielding yellow skin variety. In our trial, Vivaldi showed some netting and scab, but otherwise performed well.
- Baltic Rose (red skin, yellow flesh) was the standout of the red skinned varieties and second highest performer in the trial overall. This variety showed some scab as well as color variation among tubers and skinning, but overall tubers were a nice size.
- Among the white skinned varieties, Upstate Abundance (white skin, white flesh) performed the best with tubers looking very nice with smooth skins.
- In the purple skinned varieties Magic Molly and Blackberry (both varieties purple skin, purple flesh) were neck and neck. Magic Molly produced nice oblong tubers and Blackberry produced deep purple round tubers, both with some scab and skinning present.
- Lastly, we grew two russet varieties in this trial, with Caribou yielding the highest. However, due to our hot summer we did see a large amount of internal browning in this variety.
If you would like the full report (PDF with photos and yield data) emailed to you, email Margie Lund.


Upcoming Events
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Ontario Produce Auction

July 15, 2025
Stanley, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.
Orleans Summer Vegetable Meeting, 2025

July 16, 2025
Waterport, NY
Meeting themes are pest management in a wide array of produce and best practices for pesticide use. Professor Brian Nault will cover allium leaf miner and thrips in onions, garlic, and leeks, and discuss insect challenges in other crops. Bring your questions! We'll also have a field walk that includes high tunnel tomato and cucumber.
DEC credits available: 0.5 in CORE plus either 1.25 in 1a and 23, or 0.75 in 24.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Finger Lakes Produce Auction

July 18, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.