Winema: An Early Maturing, Red- Skinned Cultivar for Fresh Market

Winema, an early maturing, red-skinned cultivar for fresh market use, was jointly released in 2000 by the Agricultural Experiment Stations of Oregon, North Dakota, California, Idaho, and Washington. Winema was evaluated in irrigated trials in Oregon and California from 1990 to 2000 and in the Western Regional Trial in 1995,1997, and 1998. Winema has produced lower total yields than Dark Red Norland and Red LaSoda at most locations, but similar or higher marketable yields and significantly fewer culls. In 20 location-years of replicated Oregon and California trials, Winema produced 108% and 99% of marketable yields of tubers under 280 g compared with Red LaSoda and Dark Red Norland, respectively. Similarly, in 23 location-years of The Western Regional Trial in 6 western states, Winema produced 109% and 92% of marketable yields of tubers under 280 g compared with Red LaSoda and Dark Red Norland, respectively. Winema tubers are smooth-skinned with shallow eyes. Winema’s bright red color does not fade appreciably in storage. Winema is susceptible to potato virus Y (PVY). Foliar symptoms of PVY are difficult to detect visually.