Russet Burbank (Russet)

Parentage – Origin of Russet Burbank, formally known as Netted Gem is believed to be a mutation of Burbank, discovered by Luther Burbank. Although the origin is not defined, maternal lineage likely includes Rough Purple Chili, Garnet Chili, and Early Rose¹

Breeder – Released by L.L. May & Co. in St. Paul, MN in 1902¹

Maturity – Late-season

Usage – Excellent for French fry processing and baking; good for boiling²

Plant – Medium size, spreading foliage; medium thick stems that are prominently angled and slightly reddish purple; nodes slightly swollen²

Leaves – Moderately open; medium size; elliptical-ovate, tip tapered to a point; four pairs of primary leaflets; three pairs of secondary leaflets²

Flowers – Few³, medium size; white with yellow anthers; dark olive-green buds; drop readily²

Tubers – Large; long, cylindrical or slightly flattened with lightly to heavily russetted brown skin; many evenly distributed shallow eyes; white flesh^2,3

Strengths – Highly resistant to black leg; moderately resistant to common scab²

Weaknesses – Susceptible to Fusarium wilt³, late blight, potato leafroll virus, seed-piece decay, tuber net necrosis, Verticillium wilt, potato virus X and Y²; soil moisture needs to be high and uniform, along with controlled nitrogen levels to produce knob free tubers³

References: ¹Bethke, P. C. et al. 2014. History and Origin of Russet Burbank (Netted Gem) a Sport of Burbank. American Journal of Potato Research 91: 594-609. ²http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/potatoes/potato-varieties/russet-burbank/eng/1312587385873/1312587385874 ³https://www.potatoassociation.org/industry/varieties/russet-potato-varieties/russet-burbank-solanum-tuberosum ⁴https://www.veseys.com/ca/russet-burbank-potatoes-19950k.html

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Last Revised: 4/5/2019

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This article was posted in Fact Sheet.