Potato growers are looking for new varieties that can withstand global climate change and survive in new conditions.
The new Red Fox variety, which was acquired by the Prince Edward Island Potato Council as part of Canada's crop breeding program (Fredericton, New Brunswick), is suitable for this purpose.
“This is the first time the council has worked with a new potato variety from scratch,” explained Mary Kay Sauniere, seed coordinator at the Potato Council. “Through the bidding process, we gained access to the commercialization of this variety.”
The Potato Council has operated the Fox Island Elite Seed Potato Farm since 1962, with both public and private varieties. The farm is located in the west of Prince Edward Island.
The board approved the name Red Fox as it believes it has a high potential for promoting red potatoes. “The Red Fox will do well and help people identify this variety with the island where it was bred,” says Saunière.
Saunière said the variety, dubbed Red Fox, was the focus of the council's attention for several years prior to the application.
She said that they have been growing this variety for several years in different territories and conditions.
“We were attracted by the color of the skin, this guy. In addition, the variety has shown very good yield potential in some different regions, ”Saunière emphasized.