Biodiversity
An introduction to biodiversity.
A simple explanation of what biodiversity is, how we make sense of it and its importance to us. Plus an introduction to the biodiversity of potatoes and tomatoes.
Russett Burbank
Photographer: Unknown. Copyright: All rights reserved. Courtesy Idaho Potato Commission
Cultivar: Russet Burbank
Species: Solanum tuberosum
Quick Description:
A large, pale fleshed, tuber. Russet Burbank is the standard for baking and frying in America. It has a excellent shape for chipping and also stores well, which accounts for its popularity in processed foods as well as for the fresh market.
Appearance:
Tubers are large, long and cylindrical or slightly flattened. They have russeted (rough) light brown skin and white flesh. Eyes are numerous, shallow and well distributed.
Eating / cooking
Scores well in taste tests for frying and baking.
Perfect for baking and frying where its low moisture and high starch content produce dry and delicious results. Its low sugar content also prevents the bitter taste and darkening that caramelisation of sugars can give chips. It is not so good for boiling or mash as it will tend to fall apart and the high starch content can give the mash a gluey texture.
Nutritional content
Unknown.
Habitat / Growing
Suitable for home growing and farming. A late maturing variety, Russet Burbank plant needs around 150 days to produce its best crop. Growth is indeterminate and vigorous and the plant competes well with weeds. Stress while growing can result in sugar or jelly end, this is the name given to the softening and discolouration that can occur at tuber ends. Yield is moderate to high.
Stress tolerance
Low tolerance to drought.
Disease resistance / pest resistance
- Common Scab: Resistant
- Foliar early blight: Moderately Susceptible
- Verticillium wilt: Moderately Susceptible
- Blackleg: Moderately Susceptible
- Seedpiece decay: Moderately Susceptible
- Leafroll virus: Susceptible
- Leafroll Net necrosis: Susceptible
- Potato Virus Y: Susceptible
- Potato Virus X: Susceptible
- Bacterial ring rot: Susceptible
Storage
Russet Burbank stores extremely well. Sweetening doesn’t occur to a significant extent and sprouting does not occur for a long time. Black spot can be a problem.
