University develops Sebec potato variety

    ORONO — Maine Potato Board (MPB) is excited to announce the release of two new potato varieties, Easton and Sebec, named for the Aroostook County town and the Piscataquis County lake. Developed in partnership with the University of Maine over the past several growing seasons, the two varieties focus on the processing industry, although both are deemed appropriate for fresh market consumption.

    The Easton and Sebec varieties are the first to be released by the University of Maine in the past decade, and the first varieties to be release in partnership with the MPB. In addressing the release, Tim Hobbs, director of development and grower relations for the MPB, said, “Potatoes are bred for a multitude of characteristics. Everything from disease resistance to improved fry color. To get the right combination of characteristics in one variety takes a large investment in time and resources. Eventually this investment pays off. The initial results of the investment in Maine is the release of these two varieties, Easton and Sebec, out of the breeding program at the University of Maine.”
    The Sebec was developed by the University of Maine and is expected to primarily be useful for out-of-field potato chip production in growing areas that currently rely on the standard chipping variety, Atlantic.
    Field evaluations conducted in Maine and throughout eastern North America since 2003 indicate that Sebec is high yielding and widely-adapted. It produces high yields from Maine through the mid-Atlantic states and into the North Carolina, Florida, and other southern production areas. Sebec typically produces yields, which are equal to or greater than the Atlantic, with a much lower incidence of internal tuber defects.   
    Sebec produces good quality potato chips directly from the field; however, it does not produce light-colored chips from storage. Sebec tubers are round to slightly oblong with a lightly textured, buff-colored skin and white flesh. While chip potato processing from the field is expected to be the primary market for Sebec, it has good flavor and can also be useful for fresh market consumption.  
    Sebec plants have good vigor and mature at mid-season. The variety has good resistance to Verticillium wilt, a common soil-borne plant disease that is present in most production areas. Sebec was tested under the research identification number AF0338-17 and resulted from a 2001 cross between two University of Maine parental clones. It was selected in the field at Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle during 2003.
    The MPB is currently exploring licensing options for Easton and will be making Sebec available to growers interested in the variety with a license agreement for production. Anyone interested in either variety should contact the MPB at 769-5061.