Russet Arenac is a classic russet-skinned potato variety released in 1951 for fresh consumption and processing. Known for its mealy texture and suitability for baking, it offers good resistance to common scab but is less tolerant to some major diseases like late blight. It has largely been replaced by newer, more disease-resistant cultivars but remains a historically significant variety.
Tuber Characteristics:
- Skin: Russeted (coarsely netted, brown skin)
- Flesh: White to cream-colored
- Shape: Oblong to long
- Size: Medium to large tubers
- Eyes: Shallow
- Texture: Dry and mealy when cooked
- Culinary Use: Excellent for baking and frying; fair for boiling
Disease Resistance:
- Common Scab: Resistant
- Late Blight: Susceptible
- PVY (Potato Virus Y): Moderate resistance
- Early Blight: Susceptible
- Fusarium Dry Rot: Moderately susceptible
- Blackleg/Soft Rot: Susceptible
