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
2023 Potato Advisory Meeting

December 12, 2023
Canandaigua, NY
This year's Potato Advisory Meeting will include talks from Cornell faculty on insect pest and weed updates, as well as updates from this year's potato variety trials. Following lunch, there will be a round table discussion with fellow potato growers and industry members. DEC credits: 2.0 credits in 10, 1a, 23. This meeting is FREE to attendees and includes lunch!
2024 Finger Lakes Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting

January 4, 2024
Penn Yan, NY
This annual meeting will present information on insect and disease management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. Grafting, biological and, where appropriate, conventional spray options will be discussed. Berry production updates will be provided. A general session will include updates from the Food Safety Modernization Act. Judson Reid, Senior Extension Associate with the Cornell Vegetable Program along with CCE staff will instruct participants and facilitate peer-based learnings. DEC recertification credits will be offered.