Alaska possesses over 20 varieties of potato seeds
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Commercial seed potato producers in Alaska have until January 31, 2015 to submit their order forms for “Generation Zero (G0)” potatoes for seed potato purposes.
Seed potatoes differ from growing potatoes traditionally because seed potatoes use other parts of the potato to replant it and grow a larger amount of potatoes.
Generation Zero potatoes are produced at Alaska’s Plant Materials Centre (PMC) in a controlled environment 18 months before delivery. This is done to ensure imported potatoes do not introduce any viruses that could harm the potatoes.
Potato varieties available in Alaska include All Blue, Lemhi, Classic Russet, and Magic Molly. Currently, the potatoes will sell for $12.00/lb, the same price as last year and can be purchased in volumes of 5lbs or more.
The orders submitted by the January 31 deadline will proceed with the tissue culture process until about May. They’ll then be harvested and ready for pick-up in April or May of 2016.
Anyone with questions or concerns can refer to the Alaska Potato Seed Certification Hanbook.