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Kennebec potato

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Potato 'Kennebec'
GenusSolanum
SpeciesSolanum tuberosum
Cultivar'Kennebec'
BreederUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
OriginMaine, USA in 1941

Kennebec is a medium- to late-maturing white potato. It was bred by the USDA and selected by Presque Isle Station, Maine, in 1941. Kennebec is not under plant variety protection. This fast-growing variety has high yields. It maintains good quality in storage[1] and is grown for both fresh market use and for potato chip manufacturing.

Botanical characteristics

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  • The Kennebec plant is non-pigmented, large and erect, with thick stems that are prominently angled.
  • Sprouts are grayish green with a slightly purple bottom.
  • The leaves are broad, long and dark green with slightly pubescent midribs.
  • Primarily the leaflets are ovate, large and grow in pairs of four. Secondary leaflets occur in a medium number. Tertiary leaflets occur very seldom, if at all. Terminally, the leaflets stay ovate and have acute tips and a lobed base.
  • Very few of the large white flowers emerge from the scantly pubescent green buds.
  • Tubers are medium thick with an elliptical to oblong shape. The skin is smooth and creamy with shallow eyes.

Agricultural characteristics

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References

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  1. ^ Akeley, R. V.; Stevenson, F. J.; Schultz, E. S. (1948)."Kennebec: A new potato variety resistant to late blight, mild mosaic, and net necrosis". American Potato Journal 25:351-361