Blue Star

Potato

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Violet Queen'

Summary: he shape of the lightsprout is conical for 'Blue Star' whereas the shape of the lightsprout is ovoid for 'Violet Queen'. The lightsprout of 'Blue Star' has a large tip in relation to the base whereas the lightsprout of 'Violet Queen' has a small tip in relation to the base. The tip of the light sprout of 'Blue Star' has a habit that is intermediate between open and closed whereas the tip of the lightsprout of 'Violet Queen' is closed. The plants of 'Blue Star' are taller than the plants of 'Violet Queen'. The frequency of coalescence of the terminal and lateral leaflets of 'Blue Star' is absent or very low whereas the frequency of coalescence of the terminal and lateral leaflets of 'Violet Queen' is low. The corolla of 'Blue Star' is medium size whereas the corolla of 'Violet Queen' is small.

Description:

LIGHTSPROUT: large, conical shape, medium number of root tips, short lateral shoots
LIGHTSPROUT BASE: very strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, high proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration, sparse pubescence
LIGHTSPROUT TIP: large in relation to base, intermediate habit between open and closed, strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration, dense pubescence

PLANT: foliage structure is intermediate type where foliage is half open and stems are partly visible, upright to semi-upright growth habit, matures mid-season

STEM: medium to high extent of anthocyanin colouration along entire stem

LEAF: medium outline size, openness is intermediate to open, medium to dark green on upper side, high extent and strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration of upper side of midrib, medium to strong presence of secondary leaflets, absent or very low frequency of coalescence of terminal and lateral leaflets
SECOND PAIR OF LATERAL LEAFLETS: leaflet is medium in size and narrower than long
LEAFLET: weak waviness of margin, medium to deep veins, medium glossiness of upper side, pubescent blade at apical rosette

INFLORESCENCE: medium frequency per plant, small to medium size
PEDUNCLE: low to medium extent of anthocyanin colouration
FLOWER BUD: low extent of anthocyanin colouration
COROLLA: medium size
COROLLA (INNER SIDE): absent or very low extent of anthocyanin colouration, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or low proportion of blue in anthocyanin colouration

TUBER: long oval shape, blue parti-colour flesh
TUBER EYE: medium depth, blue at base
TUBER SKIN: blue

Origin & Breeding History: 'Blue Star' originated from a cross conducted in 2001 between 'BIE 91-2017' and 'Vitelotte Noir' at HZPC Holland B.V., in Metslawier, Netherlands. 'Blue Star' was selected in 2002 for its yield, internal and external quality, and resistance to diseases and pests.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Blue Star' was conducted by Global Agri Services Inc. during the growing season of 2016 in Drummond, New Brunswick. The trial consisted of a single, 19.5 metre long row containing 65 plants spaced 0.3 metres apart for each variety. The distance between rows within the trial was 0.9 metres. Observations and measurements were taken from 10 plants, or 10 parts of plants, of each variety. Mean differences were significant at the 5% probability level based on a paired Student's t-test.

Comparison table for 'Blue Star' with reference variety 'Violet Queen'

Plant height (cm)

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Potato: 'Blue Star' (left) with reference variety 'Violet Queen' (right)