According to Emilia-Romagna producers, ideal potatoes are appealing, easy to peel, early and productive. On 15th June 2015, azienda agricola Daniele Montemaggi (Forlì-Cesena) held an open day to showcase the 2016 potato varieties with the help of Consorzio Agrario Adriatico.
Potato displays on 15th June 2016.
"We have organised everything with the purpose of assessing new varieties suitable to be cultivated in the Romagna area. We focused mainly on the requirements of the H&R sector. Growers are looking for a product that looks good, tastes well and is easy to peel. The display was supervised by breeder Bruno Pasini from Bologna's CREA," explains Marco Procucci, an expert from Consorzio Agrario Adriatico.
The potatoes on display were sowed on 15th March and harvested on 15th June. Growers prefer early varieties as they can achieve better prices.
Potatoes were weighed, production quantities were analysed and the produce was put on display so guests could compare the varieties.
Based on quantity, shape, size, colour and peel, we can say that Gazzelle, Georgina, Fortus, Adora and Riviera did particularly well.
"Our assessment applies to this years' production. Gazzelle produced 69.5 tons per hectare with 8.1 tubers per plant and a weight of 191 grams per tuber. Georgina produced 63 ton/ha (2.4 waste) and can be fried, baked or used to make salads. Adora produced 53.3/ha with a waste level of 1.5. Fortus, which is regular and semi-firm, produced 53.6 ton/ha. Riviera produced 47 ton/ha. The most popular varieties in this area at the moment are Iarla, Primura and Lisetta."