Galena Russet: a Long Dormancy, Dual-Purpose Potato Cultivar Exhibiting Low Asparagine, Cold-Sweetening Resistance, and Enhanced Protein Content

Galena Russet is a potato variety notable for high marketable yields resulting from greater resistance to external tuber defects compared to industry standard Russet Burbank. Galena Russet exhibits long dormancy, cold-sweetening resistance, and higher protein content than standard varieties. In early-season trials conducted over 3 years in the Pacific Northwest, Galena Russet produced total and U.S. No. 1 yields similar to standard varieties. During 4 years of full-season trials in five western states, Galena Russet produced greater total and U.S. No. 1 yields than Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet in most locations, with specific gravities greater than Ranger Russet on average. Galena Russet produced light-colored fries out of storage with temperatures as low as 4.4 degrees C, demonstrating its cold-sweetening resistance and low reducing sugar concentrations. Moreover, the asparagine concentration of Galena Russet tubers was 42 and 36% lower than Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet tubers, respectively, following 2 months of storage. Low reducing sugar and asparagine concentrations may predict low acrylamide formation during processing. Galena Russet has shown greater resistance to PVY than Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet.

Automated summary

Galena Russet is a potato variety that is known for its high marketable yields and strong resistance to external defects. It exhibits long dormancy, cold-sweetening resistance, and higher protein content compared to industry standards. In trials conducted over several years, it consistently produced yields similar to or greater than standard varieties, as well as demonstrating resistance to common potato diseases.