The use of North American potato varieties in New Zealand

Summary

The four major U.S. varieties grown in New Zealand, namely, Chippewa, Katahdin, Sebago and Dakota Red occupy 38.5 per cent of New Zealand’s potato area.

Three New Zealand varieties were crossed with the Chippewa potato and they cover about 12.8 per cent of New Zealand’s potato area, judged by the Government certification figures. Potato varieties from the United States of America have played an important part in New Zealand production and the present varieties are likely to play a larger part in the future. Some of the newer American varieties, after careful and widespread testing, may be found suitable to New Zealand conditions.