Saphire is an early maincrop potato variety with short-oval tubers and white skin. It has strong resistance to blackleg but low resistance to dry rot (Fusarium sulphureum) and is susceptible to certain potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis Ro1 and Globodera pallida Pa 2/3, 1). The variety has good resistance to late blight, silver scurf, and common scab, but moderate susceptibility to powdery scab and bruising.
Botanical Description:
- Tuber Shape: Short - oval
- Skin Color: White
- Depth of Eyes: Shallow
- Flower Color: White
- Color of Base of Lightsprout: Pink
Disease Resistances
- Blackleg (Pectobacterium atrosepticum): Strong resistance.
- Dry Rot (Fusarium sulphureum): Low resistance.
- Potato Cyst Nematode: Susceptible to Globodera rostochiensis Ro1 and Globodera pallida Pa 2/3, 1.
Resistance Rating (1 = Low, 9 = High)
- Late Blight on Foliage (Phytophthora infestans): 6
- Late Blight on Tubers (Phytophthora infestans): 6
- Powdery Scab (Spongospora subterranea): 6
- Black Dot (Colletotrichum coccodes): 4
- Silver Scurf (Helminthosporium solani): 9
- Skin Spot (Polyscytalum pustulans): 5
- Dry Rot (Fusarium coeruleum): 6
- Common Scab (Streptomyces scabiei): 6
- Bruising: 6