ORIGIN:
Released by the USDA and the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station in 1948.
The variety was selected from a cross between B127 and USDA 96-56 and
was tested as B70-5. Published in American Potato Journal 25:351-361, 1948.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Kennebec is widely adapted and is grown in many parts of the world.
At one time it was the primary variety used for potato chip processing
in the U.S. and Canada. It was also important in french fry processing.
On the table stock market its reputation for good culinary quality was well known.
The variety produces a high yield of large tubers.
Plants
Are main season in maturity. They are large, developing a dense canopy
shortly after emergence. The plant is generally light green in color with
no purple pigmentation. Leaflets are long and narrow. Flowers are white
and often abort before opening.
Tubers:
Are oblong, slightly flattened with
shallow eyes. Tubers of this variety are characterized by a thin, smooth white skin.
Under some conditions tubers are misshapen. Tuber conformation is best in
cool growing conditions. Specific gravity is medium high and cooking quality is good
Dormancy is medium.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES:
The consistently high yield and good culinary qualities are the primary strengths
of this variety. It is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt and pinkeyeand requires
long rotations. Storing for chipstock has been a problem because of the pinkeye
susceptibility, tendency to bruise, and the need to store at temperatures of 50oF
or more for good chip color. Its popularity as a chipping variety has decreased as
better storing, more consistent chipping varieties have been developed. Its susceptibility
to Verticillium wilt and tuber greening and its tendency to produce misshapen tubers are
major limitations for tablestock producers.
Released by the USDA and the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station in 1948.
The variety was selected from a cross between B127 and USDA 96-56 and
was tested as B70-5. Published in American Potato Journal 25:351-361, 1948.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Kennebec is widely adapted and is grown in many parts of the world.
At one time it was the primary variety used for potato chip processing
in the U.S. and Canada. It was also important in french fry processing.
On the table stock market its reputation for good culinary quality was well known.
The variety produces a high yield of large tubers.
Plants
Are main season in maturity. They are large, developing a dense canopy
shortly after emergence. The plant is generally light green in color with
no purple pigmentation. Leaflets are long and narrow. Flowers are white
and often abort before opening.
Tubers:
Are oblong, slightly flattened with
shallow eyes. Tubers of this variety are characterized by a thin, smooth white skin.
Under some conditions tubers are misshapen. Tuber conformation is best in
cool growing conditions. Specific gravity is medium high and cooking quality is good
Dormancy is medium.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES:
The consistently high yield and good culinary qualities are the primary strengths
of this variety. It is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt and pinkeyeand requires
long rotations. Storing for chipstock has been a problem because of the pinkeye
susceptibility, tendency to bruise, and the need to store at temperatures of 50oF
or more for good chip color. Its popularity as a chipping variety has decreased as
better storing, more consistent chipping varieties have been developed. Its susceptibility
to Verticillium wilt and tuber greening and its tendency to produce misshapen tubers are
major limitations for tablestock producers.