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Potato Varieties ofHistorical Interest in IrelandPotato Varieties of H
istorical Interest in Ireland
Potato Varieties ofHistorical Interest in Ireland
Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................3
Variety Descriptions
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................70
Appendix 1 ...............................................................................................................................................72
Complete List Of Historical Accessions in the Department of Agriculture,Fisheries and Food Potato Collection (Pre-1800 to 1950).
Appendix 2 ...............................................................................................................................................77
List of Synonyms.
Beauties ..................................................................................................................................................8Black Champion ...............................................................................................................................10Black Potato........................................................................................................................................12Black Skerry .......................................................................................................................................14Blight Resister ....................................................................................................................................16Bloomers .............................................................................................................................................18Bothwell ...............................................................................................................................................20Buffs.......................................................................................................................................................22Champion ...........................................................................................................................................24Earl of Essex .......................................................................................................................................26Farmers .................................................................................................................................................28Flourball ..............................................................................................................................................30Gardenfiller ........................................................................................................................................32Gawkies ................................................................................................................................................34Green Champion .............................................................................................................................36Haddingtons .......................................................................................................................................38Irish Chieftain.....................................................................................................................................40Irish Queen ........................................................................................................................................42Lumper..................................................................................................................................................44Mill Street Hero.................................................................................................................................46Peerless .................................................................................................................................................48Red Cups ..............................................................................................................................................50Rocks......................................................................................................................................................52Sackfiller ...............................................................................................................................................54Skerry Blue .........................................................................................................................................56Skerry Champion .............................................................................................................................58Snowdrop ...........................................................................................................................................60The Baron.............................................................................................................................................62Thome Black .......................................................................................................................................64Thomes.................................................................................................................................................66Yankee Baby........................................................................................................................................68
Introduction
Few plants have had as strong an influence on the destiny of a nation as thepotato (Solanum tuberosum) has exercised on the people of Ireland. Since itsintroduction to Ireland in the 16th century, the potato has occupied a centralplace in the diet and, by extension, the culture of Ireland. A living legacy of thislong association is the unique collection of potato varieties which is maintainedby the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF). Comprising over 400accessions, the collection includes old and modern Irish varieties and varietiesfrom abroad. Appendix 1 lists 145 pre-1950 potato varieties which form the basisof DAFF’s historical potato collection. Approximately 50 of these varieties areunique to the collection.
Although descriptions exist for many of the old Irish varieties (e.g. Davidson,1936), there is a need for these descriptions to be updated to conform withinternational standards. In addition there are no descriptions for many of thevarieties held in the collection nor are there photographic records of the tubers,foliage, flowers and sprouts on which existing descriptions are based.
The objective of this book, therefore, is to compile for the first time, descriptionsand photographic records of the main varieties of historical interest to Ireland. Inorder that the varieties are described uniformly, the Union Internationale pour laProtection des Obtensions Vegetales (UPOV) guidelines for the conduct of testsfor distinctness, uniformity and stability for potato (Anon., 1986) are used. Theseguidelines use standard varieties to illustrate the different characteristics of thepotato plant and are recognised internationally. In this book where a particularcharacteristic has not been observed by the authors, a description by an earliercited author is used.
In addition to the variety descriptions, an attempt has been made to trace the originof the varieties contained in this book. In a few cases the parent varieties from whichthe accession was derived are known but, generally, the varieties arise spontaneouslyin nature and regrettably their exact origin cannot be determined. Where a variety isassociated with a particular geographical region, this is stated. For accessions whichare unique to the collection, and for which no historical references or descriptions areknown, save that of Kehoe (1986), this date is given as the earliest record of theirexistence although the variety may be considerably older.
Not all the varieties in this book are of Irish origin, but they are included becausethey have strong associations with this country or because they are now uniqueto the collection.
3
History of potato varieties in Ireland
The potato originated in the highlands of Peru particulary the region around LakeTiticaca. Over 200 species of wild potato are found in the Americas, and it is fromthese that the potato we know developed.
Potatoes were first domesticated at least 7000 years ago. Primitive farmingcommunities developed technology for potato preservation by exposing tubers tothe dry freezing mountain conditions, producing ‘Chuno’ which remains a staple tothis day. The food security provided by potato and maize allowed the developmentof civilisations such as the Huari and Inca. As these civilisations flourished, thepotato was adapted to meet different environmental conditions. The potatodiversified into those which were suitable for more temperate valleys, and frost-resistant types suitable for the alpine tundra. Thus, the first potato varieties wereborn and to this day over 5,000 potato varieties are still grown in the Andes.
The Spanish conquest of South America began in 1532, bringing to an end the IncaEmpire. As the Spanish extended their control of this vast new land they recordedthe manner and customs of the native population. Pedro de Cieza de Leon, aSpanish soldier was the first European to record the existence of the potato, in1538, in the Upper Cauca valley in what is now Colombia.
The precise date of the introduction of the potato to Europe is uncertain, but wasprobably before 1570. According to Wilson (1993), potato was included in Seville’shospital diet by 1573. According to Salaman (1926), the first recorded mention ofthe potato in Europe occurred in 1587 when the Austrian botanist Clusiusdescribed some tubers he had received from Spain. One year later in London,Gerarde, famous for Gerardes Herball, received some tubers possibly from Virginia.Both have left valuable descriptions of the plants they received. It was not howeveruntil 1730 that the first description of different potato varieties was given by anIrish writer, Rye in his work Considerations on Agriculture.
Further confusion concerns the introduction of potato to Ireland. Popular opinion isthat the potato was introduced by Sir Walter Raleigh at his estate in YoughalCo.Cork at the end of the 16th century. However it is as likely that potatoes wereintroduced to Ireland from Spain as part of normal trade. According to Salaman(1926), Ireland was exceptional in that the potato quickly became a staple foodstuff.
4
The potato began to diversify into varieties as its cultivation spread. In 1785,Marshall complained of the indiscriminate raising of seedlings and described thevarieties extant as ‘endless’. It was not until the beginning of the nineteenthcentury that an effort was made to introduce a more systematic approach to thebreeding of new varieties. This development was given added impetus following theoutbreak of potato blight (Phytophthora infestans) in 1845, which in addition tothe tragic social consequences also eliminated almost all of the varieties most usedat that time.
Of the many pre-famine varieties which undoubtedly existed, few have survivedto the present day. Some of the varieties most cultivated in Ireland during thisperiod included: Blacks; Yellows; Cluster; Irish Apple; Red Nose Kidney (syn.Wicklow Banger); Cork Red; Lumper and Cups. Lumper was grown extensively inIreland up to 1845 and was the mainstay of the cottier and small farmer class. Inthe Agricultural Survey, Co. Galway (1824) it is stated “Lumpers are much used asthey are more productive….than any other kind…quality very bad”. Howden(1837) recommended the Lumper for stock-feeding on account of its yield.Lumper was also very susceptible to potato blight which no doubt compoundedthe effects of the blight epidemic.
In the second half of the 19th century, some varieties which came to prominence inIreland included Rocks, Skerry Blue, Flounder and Champion. The acreage ofpotatoes in Ireland was first recorded in 1880. In that year a total of 820,651 acresof Rocks were grown accounting for c. 40% of the total area. Rocks continued tobe the dominant potato variety grown in Ireland until becoming overshadowed byChampion. Champion was first introduced in 1876 and although not grownextensively at first, gained in popularity following the blight outbreak in 1879. The1879 epidemic was considered by Davidson (1933) to exceed that of 1846,however Champion demonstrated “remarkable” resistance to the fungus. From1884 to 1892, Champion accounted for c. 80% of the total acreage of potatogrown. Davidson attributed the success of Champion to “its superb cooking quality,the Irish ideal of what a potato should be”. From 1900 onwards, Championdeclined in popularity due to a reduction in its resistance to blight and the arrivalof newer varieties such as Kerr’s Pink.
5
It is of interest to note that many of the potato varieties which have dominatedthe Irish market in living memory have their origins in late 19th and early 20thcenturies. British Queen (1894), King Edward VII (1902), Golden Wonder (1906),Kerr’s Pink (1907), Record (1925) are all old varieties and it is a testament to theskill of their breeders, as well as advances in seed production, that they haveremained popular. In addition some old varieties such as Pink Fir Apple (1850) andCongo (1900) have in recent years enjoyed a resurgence.
With reference to more modern varieties, there are numerous high qualitypublications produced by seed houses and variety maintainers available. A recentpublication by Teagasc (Anon. Undated a) details modern potato varieties producedas part of the Irish potato breeding programme. The European Cultivated PotatoDatabase (Anon., Undated b) also provides a vast amount of information on manythousands of potato varieties. This book is a further contribution to our knowledgeon potato varieties. Although the varieties contained in the following pages aredescribed as ‘historical’, they should not be considered irrelevant to modernagriculture. In a world where food security is a daily concern for many millions ofpeople, it is likely that we like the Spanish Conquistadors and the Inca before them,will come to recognise the value of the humble potato once more.
James ChoiseulGerry Doherty
Gabriel Roe
Seed Certification Division,Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
July 2008
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of DAFF staff, current andformer, in the collection, maintenance and improvement of the potato collectiondetailed in this publication.
6
Variety Descriptions
General Comments
Davidson (1936) described the variety Beauties as an old variety of unknownorigin and no commercial value. He also mentioned that the name Beautieswas a synonym for the variety Beauty of Bute (see MacDonald, 1991) but thatthis was a distinct variety. Beauties was noted by Kehoe (1986) as beingunique to the Irish potato collection.
Beauties:First record: 1936
Synonyms: • None
Maturity: Maincrop
8
SPROUTSLight pink in colour, ovoid andof medium size.
PLANT HABITPlants are very short, with an intermediateappearance and spreading habit.
STEMSThe stems are thin and have verylittle pigmentation.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are of medium size and intermediateopenness. They are light green in colour, with amedium to dull texture and have un-pigmentedmid-ribs. The primary leaflets are of medium sizeand width while the secondaries are of small sizeand few in frequency. Tertiary leaflets are few innumber and very small. The primary leaflets haveweakly waved leaf margins and shallow veins.Fused terminal leaflets are absent.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individual flowersare small. Flowers are rare. Thepeduncle and flower buds lackpigmentation. The peduncle is shortand weak. Flowers are a very weakred-violet colour with medium sizewhite tips.
TUBERSThe tubers are round in shape witheyes of medium depth and mediumsmooth skin. The tubers are white incolour with yellow at the base of theeye. The flesh is cream. Faintpigmentation is occasionally seen inthe medulla.
9
General Comments
Davidson (1936) described this as an old variety found growingin the Midlands of Ireland but of no commercial value.Noted by Kehoe (1986) as being unique to the Irishpotato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: • Scotch Greys,Greys(also syn forSkerryChampion)
Maturity: Maincrop
BlackChampion:
10
SPROUTSSprouts are coloured purple, sphericaland of medium size.
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, with an intermediateappearance and erect habit.
STEMSStems are thin with moderate,localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are of medium size and open.They are mid-green in colour, with adull mid-glossy texture and mediumpigmented mid-rib. The primaryleaflets are of medium size and longwhile the secondaries are small and ofmedium frequency. No tertiary leaflets were seen. The primary leaflets have a weaklywaved margin and veins of medium depth. Fused terminal leaflets are few in number.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individual flowersare both of medium size. Flowers arefew in number. The peduncle is ofmedium length and weakly pigmentedbut the flower buds are stronglypigmented. The flower is an intenseblue-violet colour with medium sizewhite tips.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are round,with eyes of medium depth andsmooth skin. The skin and base of theeye are white in colour, as is the tuberflesh.
11
General Comments
There are many historical references to Black Potato in the literature, spanningseveral centuries. Rye (1730) mentioned a variety called Black Potato which hepraised highly, especially as a good keeper. The variety was described by Hayes(1795) as having the “outer coat sooty colour, but when rubbed off, raw potatois bright purple”. Dubordieu (1812) referred to it being a popular variety formany years in Co. Antrim.
Lawson (1836) said “it has long been in partial cultivation, and is chiefly valuable from beingin season for using between the periods of planting and taking up the new crop”. Howden(1837) recommended the Black Potato for spring use. Davidson (1933) described it as thefirst really outstanding potato variety. He also said that it ceased to be mentioned after theblight epidemic of 1846. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish potatocollection.
Black Potato:First record: 1730
Synonyms: None
Maturity: –
12
SPROUTSSprouts are of medium size, broad-cylindricalin shape and with an intenseblue-violet pigmentation.
PLANT HABITThe plant is tall, with an intermediateappearance and erect growth habit.
STEMSThe stems are thick with intenselocalised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are small, closed with a pigmentedmid-rib. The primary leaflets are of mediumsize and shape and are a light green colour.The secondary leaflets are small and numerous.Fused terminal leaflets are seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individualflowers are both small. Thepeduncle is very weakly pigmentedbut the flower buds have mediumlevels of pigmentation. The flowersare a weak red-violet colour withmedium size white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety areround-oval in shape with mediumto deep eyes and medium smoothskin. The tubers are blue in colourwith blue pigment also visible atthe base of the eye. The flesh islight yellow and is streaked darkpurple.
13
General Comments
Wallace (1902) mentioned a late main-crop variety called Black Skerry which herecommended for growing in Ireland. The variety Black Skerry was mentionedamong the agricultural statistics published by the Department of Agriculture in1906 where it was coupled with the variety Skerry Blue.
The variety name Skerry Blue was omitted from the statistics of 1907, only BlackSkerry being mentioned. However Salaman (1926) and Davidson (1933) bothclaimed that Black Skerry was a synonym for Skerry Blue. Several years laterhowever, Davidson (1936) stated quite clearly that the two varieties weredistinct. He described it as being of unknown origin, but possibly arising from theBurnside region of Derry c. 1900. He also said that it was grown in the vicinity of LoughNeagh for the Belfast and Dublin markets. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to theIrish potato collection.
Black Skerry:First record: 1902
Synonyms: Skerry, Rehedee
Maturity: Late maincrop
14
SPROUTSA deep purple colour(Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, stemmy and erect.
STEMSThe stems are thin with intense,localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are small and open.They are a light green colour with adull texture and strongly pigmentedmid-rib. The primary leaflets are smalland of medium width while thesecondaries are small and of mediumfrequency. The primary leaflets haveweakly waved margins and veins ofmedium depth. Fused terminal leaflets are occasionally seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescences are of mediumsize and individual flowers small.Flowers occur frequently. Thepeduncle is medium to long inlength and has intermediate levelsof pigmentation while the buds areweakly pigmented. The flowers area medium blue-violet colour withmedium sized white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers are oval in shape, withmedium to deep eyes and asmooth skin. The skin is red incolour but the base of the eyes areblue. The flesh is a cream colour.
15
General Comments
Davidson (1936) noted that this variety was of no commercial importanceand was found as a rogue among crops of the variety Gardenfiller(syn. Hibernia) near Athlone. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was uniqueto the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop
BlightResister:
16
SPROUTSA bright purple colour(Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITPlants are medium to tall,stemmy in appearance and havean erect habit.
STEMSStems are thin with very pronouncedpigmentation.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are medium size and open.They are a dark green colour, with adull texture and strongly pigmentedmid-rib. The primary leaflets are smalland of medium width while thesecondaries are small and of medium frequency.The primary leaflets have medium waved margins and veins of medium depth.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individualflowers are of medium size. Flowersoccur frequently. The peduncle isstrongly pigmented and of mediumlength. The flower buds havemedium intense pigmentation. Theflowers are medium intense blue-violet colour with medium sizewhite tips.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are ovalto long-oval in shape, and haveeyes of medium depth and asmooth skin. The skin in distinctlyblue/purple in colour with bluepigment also visible at the base ofthe eyes. The flesh is cream incolour and is streaked withpurple/violet pigment at the roseend.
17
General Comments
Davidson (1936) described Bloomers as a very old variety which he procuredfrom Co. Clare. In his time it was grown only in isolated areas and was of nocommercial value. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish potatocollection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: Starters, BrownBlacks, BlackBull, Stouter,Stouters
Maturity: Second early
Bloomers:
18
SPROUTSSprouts are a deep purple colour(Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium to tall,stemmy in appearance and havean erect habit.
STEMSThe plant is of medium height, witha stemmy appearance and are semi-erect.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are of medium size andclosed. They are a mid-green colour,glossy and have a medium colouredmid-rib, the colour extending partiallyinto the mid-rib of the leaflets. The primary leaflets are of medium size and long andthe secondaries are small to medium in size, rounded and numerous. Tertiary leafletsare few in number and small. The primary leaflets are of medium waviness and mediumdeep veined. The terminal leaflet is frequently fused.
INFLORESCENCEThe flowers are of medium size andnumerous. The peduncle is long andstrong with weak to medium levelsof pigmentation. The buds arestrongly pigmented. The flower is avery pale blue colour with largewhite tips. Occasionally thepeduncle bends at the base andgrows horizontally.
TUBERSThe tubers of Bloomers are roundwith medium to deep eyes and asmooth skin. They are blue incolour with blue pigment alsovisible at the eye base. The flesh iscream coloured with a slight tingeof purple under the skin at the roseend.
19
General Comments
The origin of this variety is unknown. Kehoe (1986) noted thatit was unique to the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1986
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Late maincrop
Bothwell:
20
SPROUTSSprouts are large, broad-cylindricalin shape and an intense blue-violetcolour.
PLANT HABITPlants are very tall, stemmy inappearance and semi-erect.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withmoderate, localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are large and medium to open.They are a light green colour with amedium texture and medium intensepigmentation on the mid-rib. Theprimary leaflets are of medium sizeand narrow while the secondaries are small and infrequent. Tertiary leaflets are veryrare. The primary leaflets have a weakly waved margin and have veins of mediumdepth. Fused terminals are rarely observed.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescences and individualflowers are small. Flowers occurwith medium frequency.The peduncle is short with mediumlevels of pigmentation. The flowerbuds are strongly pigmented.The flowers are a medium intenseblue-violet colour with mediumsize white tips.
TUBERSTubers are shaped round-oval andhave medium to deep eyes and asmooth skin. The tuber skin is whiteand the base of the eyes are yellow.The tuber flesh is white.
21
General Comments
Lawson (1836) mentioned a variety called Buffs, but described itas having a white flower. Davidson (1936) described Buffs as anold variety which he procured in Co. Donegal. It was of nocommercial value.Wilson (1993) mentioned it as being one of the varieties grownin Ireland in the early 19th century.Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish potatocollection.
First record: poss. 1836
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop(Early maincrop)
Buffs:
22
SPROUTSSprouts are small, spherical in shapeand a very intense blue-violet colour.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium height andupright (Davidson, 1936).
STEMSStems have an intense purplepigmentation, colour developingtowards maturity (Davidson, 1936).
FOLIAGEThe leaves are long and open. They area medium green colour with a dulltexture and have a light purple mid-rib, except at the base of the leaf andleaflet stalks where colour is verydistinct. The primary leaflets are fairly large, long and pointed. The secondaries are smalland not numerous.
INFLORESCENCEFlowers are fairly numerous. Thepeduncle is of medium length withmoderate levels of pigmentation.Buds are a very dark purple colour.The flowers are a very light blue-purple colour, but abscise easily .
TUBERSThe tubers are round with mediumto deep eyes and a skin of mediumsmoothness. The tuber skin is brightpurple with purple streaks and thebase of the eyes are purple. Theflesh is a yellow colour.
23
General Comments
The variety Champion was raised and introduced by John Nichol, Ochterloney,Scotland between 1863 and 1876. Its parentage is unknown (Salaman, 1926).There are numerous references to this variety due to its dominance of the Irishpotato industry during the latter years of the 19th century.
Its success was due in part to the severe blight epidemic which affectedthe potato crop in Ireland in 1879, a disease to which Champion showedhigh levels of resistance. Consequently between 1880 and 1894 the acreagegrown increased from 220, 934 acres (27 % of total) to 717,000 acres (80%of total) (Davidson, 1933; Wilson, 1993). Thereafter the acreage of Championdeclined as varieties such as Kerr’s Pink and Arran Banner increased inpopularity. The success of Champion was also due to the excellent cookingquality of the variety (Davidson, 1933). The variety was described in detail bySalaman (1926), Davidson (1936) and MacDonald (1991). Stegemann andLoeschchcke (1979) list Champion as a synonym for Skerry Champion which isincorrect. The variety Schoolmaster held at theScottish Agricultural Science Agency’s potatocollection has white flowers.
First record: 1863
Synonyms: Old Champion(Wallace, 1902),Old ScotchChampion,Nichol’sChampion,Schoolmaster
Maturity: Late maincrop
Champion:
24
SPROUTSSprouts are distinctly purple(Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, leafy in appearanceand erect.
STEMSStems are thin and wiry withmoderate, localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are of medium size andintermediate openness. They are darkgreen in colour, with a medium glossyto glossy texture and medium levelsof pigment on the mid-rib. Theprimary leaflets are large and narrowwhile the secondaries are small and of medium frequency. Tertiary leaflets are very rare.The primary leaflets have a weakly waved margin and are shallow veined. Pigmentationon the leaf blade of the apical rosette is present. Occasional fused terminal leaflets areseen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individualflowers are small. Flowers are fewto medium in frequency. Thepeduncle is very weakly pigmentedwhile the flower buds are verystrongly pigmented. The peduncle isshort. The flowers are an intensered-violet colour and have smallwhite tips.
TUBERSThe tubers are round with mediumto deep eyes and smooth skin. Theyare white in colour often showingpurple specks and a purple shadefrequently showing in dent of theheel. The base of the eyes is yellow.The tuber flesh is a yellow colour.
25
General Comments
This variety was described by Davidson (1936) as anold variety, which was widely distributed in Ireland,but never intensively grown. Kehoe (1986) noted thatit was unique to the Irish potato collection. Thevariety Essex, described by MacDonald (1991), isAmerican in origin and was introduced in 1947.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: Blue Eyes, Copper Duns,Shaun Power, Farmer’s Glory(The variety name Farmer’sGlory has been attributed tomany varieties. Malden(1895) mentioned a latevariety called Farmer’s Glorywhich had white flowers, andkidney or oval shaped tubers.Salaman (1926) noted thatFarmer’s Glory was a synonymfor both the varieties MagnumBonum and Up-To-Date.Sanders (1905) noted twovarieties called Farmer’s Glory,one bred by/introduced byFindlay and one by Sutton andSons.)
Maturity: Maincrop
Earl of Essex:
26
SPROUTSSprouts are small, conical in shape andare an intense blue-violet colour.
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, stemmy in appearanceand semi-erect to erect.
STEMSStems are thin and possess moderate,localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are small and closed. They area dark green colour, with a mediumtexture and medium levels ofpigmentation on the mid-rib. Theprimary leaflets are of medium sizeand narrow, while the secondaries aresmall and of medium frequency. Thetertiary leaflets are small and of medium frequency. The primary leaflets have stronglywaved margins and medium deep veins.
INFLORESCENCEBoth the inflorescence andindividual flowers are small in size.The flowers are numerous. Thepeduncle is short and weaklypigmented. The buds are green withpurple markings. The flowers are amedium intense red-violet colourwith small white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers are round-oval in shapewith medium to deep eyes andmedium smooth skin. The tuberskin is part blue with the pigmentbeing associated with the tubereyes. The base of the eyes iscoloured with a very deep purplepigment. The tuber flesh is white.
27
General Comments
This variety was procured by Davidson (1936) in Co. Cork. Its origin wasunknown. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish potato collection.The variety Farmer, described by Salaman (1926) as a synonym for Duke ofYork has white flowers.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop
Farmers:
28
SPROUTSSprouts are medium sized, spherical inshape and are a very intense blue-violet colour.
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, intermediate inappearance and erect to semi-erect.
STEMSStems are thin and have moderate,localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are medium size and closed.They are light-green in colour with aglossy texture and medium levels ofpigmentation on the mid-rib. Theprimary leaflets are long and narrowwhile the secondaries are generallysmall and medium frequency. The primary leaflets have intermediately waved marginsand medium deep veins. Fusion on the terminal and lateral leaflets occurs with mediumfrequency. Pigmentation on the leaf blade of the apical rosette is present.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence of this variety issmall and indistinct and theindividual flowers are small. Flowersare few in number. The peduncle isshort and weakly pigmented. Budspossess medium levels of pigment.The flowers are an intense red-violet colour with small white tips.
TUBERSTubers are round with medium todeep eyes and medium smoothskin. The tubers are coloured whitewith the base of the eyes yellow.The tuber flesh is a light yellowcolour.
29
General Comments
Procured by Sutton and Sons, Reading from Miss L. King, Mountmellick, Co. Laoisin 1895 (Salaman, 1926). This variety was once popular and was still grown inpockets during Davidson’s time (Davidson, 1936). Kehoe (1986) noted thatvarieties of this name occurred in many European potato collections.
It was described by MacDonald (1991). The name Flourball is a synonym forthe variety America but it is not the same variety (Salaman, 1926). Flourballis also distinct from the red skinned variety Sutton’sFlourball which was introduced in 1870. The synonymDargavel, is a co-synonym of the variety Up-To-Date,however the latter variety has reddish-purple flowers.
First record: 1895
Synonyms: Dargavel,Helon’sPlentiful,Keeper
Maturity: Maincrop
Flourball:
30
SPROUTSSprouts are of medium size, conical inshape with an intense red-violetpigmentation.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium height,intermediate appearance and semi-erect.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withmoderate, localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are of medium size andintermediate openness. They are mid-dark green in colour, with a mediumtexture and a faintly pigmented mid-rib. The primary leaflets are ofmedium size and width, while the secondary leaflets are of medium size and frequency.The primary leaflets have a weakly waved leaf margin and shallow veins. Tertiaryleaflets are numerous. Fused terminal leaflets are rarely seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence is large, while theflower is of medium to large size.Flowers occur with mediumfrequency. The peduncle is ofmedium length and weaklypigmented with medium levels ofpigment on the flower buds.Individual flowers are white incolour lacking pigmentation of anykind.
TUBERSThe tubers are round with mediumto deep eyes and smooth skin. Thetubers are red/pink in colour withred pigment visible at the base ofthe eyes. The tuber flesh is creamcoloured with pink threadsassociated with the eyes.
31
General Comments
Davidson (1936) said that this variety was of unknown origin. Kehoe(1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish and UK potato collections.MacDonald (1991) described this variety and said that it originatedbefore 1918. Saunders (1905) mentioned a variety called Hiberniawhich he ascribed to the Scottish breeder Findlay.
First record: 1918
Synonyms: Garden Filler,Hibernia, LandLeaguers, HomeRulers
Maturity: Maincrop
Gardenfiller:
32
SPROUTSSprouts are of medium size, conical inshape and possess an intense blue-violet pigmentation.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium height, stemmyin appearance and semi-erect.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withmoderate to intense, localisedpigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are very long and open. Theyare a dark green colour, of glossytexture and have a stronglypigmented mid-rib. Primary leafletsare large and narrow whilesecondaries are small and few innumber. The fusion of the terminal and lateral leaflets occurs with medium frequency.The primary leaflets have a moderately waved leaf margin and veins are shallow.Pigmentation on the leaf blade of the apical rosette is occasionally seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence is small. Thepeduncle and buds are stronglypigmented. The inflorescences arenumerous but flowers usuallyabscise before opening. Flowersthat do open are a weak red-violetcolour with large white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers are oval with shallow tomedium deep eyes and smoothskin. The skin is purple and a purplepigment can be seen at the base ofthe eyes. The flesh is a light yellowcolour.
33
General Comments
This is a very old variety which Davidson (1936) procured from the locality ofGlenties, Co. Donegal. The extent of its cultivation is not known but Davidson(1936) considered it to be of no commercial value. Kehoe (1986) noted that itwas unique to the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop
Gawkies:
34
SPROUTSSprouts are very faint pink, ovoid andof medium size.
PLANT HABITThe plant is of medium height,stemmy in appearance and has aspreading habit.
STEMSStems are thin and numerous and arevery weakly pigmented.
FOLIAGELeaves are small and open. They are amid-green colour, glossy and have nocolour in the mid-rib. Primary leafletsare small and broad while thesecondary leaflets are small, few innumber and rounded. Tertiary leafletsare rarely seen. The primary leaflets have intermediately waved margins and veins ofmedium depth. Fused terminals are rare.
INFLORESCENCEFlowers are rare. The peduncle islong and green in colour and thebuds are markedly green. Flowersare white in colour. The buds areformed freely but normally abscisebefore opening.
TUBERSThe tubers are shaped round-ovaland have very deep eyes andsmooth skin. They are colouredwhite with eye bases yellow. Theflesh is light yellow.
35
General Comments
The origin of this variety is not known. It was grown to some extent, but notcommercially, in the Midlands of Ireland (Davidson, 1936). Kehoe (1986) notedthat it was unique to the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: BrownChampion,Blight Defender,Queen Mauve
Maturity: Late maincrop
GreenChampion:
36
SPROUTSSprouts are large and spherical with aweak red-violet pigmentation.
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, with a stemmyappearance and erect habit.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withmoderate, localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are of medium size and open.They are a mid-green colour with amedium texture and very weakpigmentation on the mid-rib. Theprimary leaflets are of medium sizeand narrow while the secondaries areof medium size and frequency.Tertiary leaflets are few in number. Primary leaflets have weakly waved margins and areshallow veined. Fused terminal leaflets are rare.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and flowers arelarge. The inflorescences arenumerous. The peduncle is long andvery weakly pigmented but thebuds have a very intensepigmentation. The flowers are ablue-violet colour with small whitetips.
TUBERSThe tubers are round, with shallowto medium deep eyes and smoothskin. The tubers are white with aslight pink blush occasionally seenat the rose end. The bases of theeyes are usually yellow except atthe rose end where a pink pigmentcan be seen. The tuber flesh iswhite.
37
General Comments
This variety is of unknown origin. It is very rare and was found byDavidson (1936) as a rogue in some potato crops in Co. Donegal. Hedid not consider it of commercial importance. Kehoe (1986) notedthat it was unique to the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Early
Haddingtons:
38
SPROUTSSprouts are of medium size, conical inshape and have a weak red-violetpigmentation.
PLANT HABITPlants are medium height, with a leafyappearance and semi-erect habit.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness, withfaint, localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are large and closed. They are amid-green colour with a mediumglossy texture and moderatelypigmented mid-rib especially wherethe petioles of the lateral leafletsintersect the mid-rib. The primaryleaflets are large and broad while the secondaries are medium size and fairly numerous.Tertiary leaflets are very rare. The primary leaflets are of medium waviness and havemedium deep veins. Fused terminals occur infrequently.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence is small andborne on a short indistinctpeduncle. The inflorescences arenumerous but flowers usuallyabscise before opening. Flowersthat do open are an intense red-violet colour with large white tips(Davidson, 1936).
TUBERSThe tubers are shaped round tooval with eyes varying from shallowto medium deep and smooth skin.The tubers are white with distinctred streaks especially at the roseend and at the lenticels. The basesof the eyes are yellow. The tuberflesh is a cream colour.
39
General Comments
This variety was introduced by a Mr. McKenna, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. Itwas said to be the offspring of the variety Beauty of Hebron and Solanumcommersonii.
According to another, more probable, account, it arose as a cross between the varietiesUp-to-Date and Champion (Salaman, 1926). The date of its introduction was given as c.1917 (Davidson, 1936). Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish and UKpotato collections. It was described by MacDonald (1991).
First record: 1917
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Late maincrop
IrishChieftan:
40
SPROUTSSprouts are small, spherical, with aweak blue-violet pigmentation.
PLANT HABITPlants are medium to tall, leafy andwith a semi-erect growth habit.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness andhave intense localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are large and open. Theyare a greyish green colour, with a dulltexture and have strong colouration ofthe mid-rib. Primary leaflets are ofmedium size while the secondaries arelarge and of medium frequency.Tertiary leaflets are few in number.The primary leaflets have a weakly waved margin and are shallow veined. Fusedterminal leaflets are occasionally seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe flowers are of medium size andvery numerous. The peduncle ismedium to long and it and thebuds are weakly pigmented. Thebuds are green with dark purplemarkings. The flowers are red-purple with medium sized whitetips.
TUBERSThe tubers are oval with shallow tomedium to deep eyes and smoothskinned. The tubers are white incolour, and the bases of the eyesare yellow but occasionally a bluepigment is associated with the eyesat the stem end and occasionallythe rose end. The tuber flesh iscream coloured.
41
General Comments
It is believed that this variety was raised by Strain of Ballyroney, Co. Down c.1910 (Davidson, 1936). MacDonald (1991), however, attributed its origin tothe UK, although he does not elaborate.
It was given the name Irish Queen by Issac Bell, Corbet, Banbridge (Davidson, 1936).He noted that it was ‘fairly’ popular but was replaced by Kerr’s Pink. Kehoe (1986) notedthat it was present in both the Irish and UK potato collections.
First record: 1910
Synonyms: Moss Pink
Maturity: Maincrop
IrishQueen:
42
SPROUTSSprouts are of medium size, narrowconical in shape and have a weak red-violet colour.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium heightappearance and have an erect growthhabit and are stemmy.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness andhave a moderate, localisedpigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are medium size and closed.They are a light green colour, withmedium texture and a mediumamount of pigmentation on the mid-rib. The primary leaflets are large size and round while the secondaries are of mediumsize and frequency. Tertiary leaflets are absent. The primary leaflets have a mediumwaved leaf blade and medium deep veins. A slight thread of pigmentation may be seenon the blades of the primary leaflets at the apical rosette when examined closely.Occasional fused terminal leaflets are seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence is small andborne on a short peduncle, whichhas a medium level of pigment.Buds are weakly pigmented. Theinflorescences are numerous butflowers usually abscise before theyopen. Davidson (1936) reportedthat the flowers were light purple,tipped white.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are round,with medium deep eyes andmedium textured skin. The skincolour is pink with white streaksespecially around the eyes and thebases of the eyes are yellow. Thetuber flesh is a cream colour.
43
General Comments
The variety Lumper is of immense historical interest in Ireland, due to the factthat its fecundity facilitated the rapid increase in the population of Irelandduring the early nineteenth century and its devastation, due to the 1845-48potato blight epidemic, led to the Great Famine. It is a very old variety, and wasprobably well known when first recorded by Dutton (1808) in his AgriculturalSurvey of County Clare.
There are numerous references to this variety attesting to its widespread cultivation. It wasdescribed by Andrews (1835) as a ‘coarse species’ and was recommended by Howden (1837)as stock feed due to its enormous yield. Although it was claimed that ‘Lumpers sufferedmore than any other variety (from blight)’ (Anon., 1845), in truth, most pre-Famine potatovarieties were blight susceptible, and varieties such as Cups, which were grown by moreaffluent farmers, never recovered their position post-1847 (Davidson, 1933). Lumpers nowsurvive in the variety collections of Ireland and the UK only (Kehoe, 1986). The variety wasdescribed by MacDonald (1991). A variety called Lumper procured by Davidson in Co. Cavanin 1923, and subsequently from other places, was not the true Lumper and was namedCavan Lumper to avoid confusion. Davidson, who was responsible for collecting the trueLumper, had no doubt as to the veracity of this accession.
First record: 1808
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop
Lumper:
44
SPROUTSSprouts are a very faintred-violet colour, ovoidand large in size.
PLANT HABITPlants are of mediumheight, intermediateappearance and aresemi-erect.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withmoderate localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are of medium size and open.They are dark green in colour with aglossy texture. Moderate levels ofpigment are present on the mid-ribs.The primary leaflets are of medium size,while the secondaries are small androunded. The primary leaflets have aweakly waved margin and are shallow veined.
INFLORESCENCEInflorescences are very numerousand individual flowers are mediumto large. The peduncle and buds arewithout pigmentation. The flowersare white and tend to abscisereadily.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are ovalshaped and irregular. The eyes arevery deep and the tuber skin has arough texture. The tuber skin iswhite and the bases of the eyes areyellow. The tuber flesh is creamcoloured.
45
General Comments
Davidson (1936) described this variety as being grown on a very small scalein the Ards district of Co. Down. The origin of this variety is unknown. Kehoe(1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Second early
Mill StreetHero:
46
SPROUTSThe sprouts are of medium size,conical and have an intense blue-violet pigmentation.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium size, with a leafyappearance and semi-erect habit.
STEMSStems are of average thickness andhave faint to moderate localisedpigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are small and closed. They havea light green colour, glossy textureand a strongly pigmented mid-rib. Theprimary leaflets are medium to broad,tapering gradually to a point, whilethe secondary leaflets are of medium size and frequency. Tertiary leaflets are small andof medium frequency. The blade of the primary leaflets show medium waviness and theveins are of medium depth. Fused terminals are regularly seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe peduncle is short and flowersare very rare. Medium levels ofpigment are seen on the peduncle.Buds usually abscise beforeopening.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are roundto oval in shape with medium todeep eyes and smooth skin. Thetubers are pale purple but aremottled and streaked with a moreintense purple pigment. The basesof the eyes are a deep purplecolour. The tuber flesh is white.
47
General Comments
It is believed that this variety was raised by Strain, Ballyroney, Co. Down before1919. It is similar in appearance to the more popular variety Arran Victory, andwas sold as Arran Victory for some years (Davidson, 1936). Kehoe (1986) notedthat it was unique to the Irish and UK potato collections. It was described byMacDonald (1991) who claimed that it originated in the UK.
First record: 1919
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop
Peerless:
48
SPROUTSThe sprouts are large, narrow-cylindrical in shape with a very strongblue-violet pigmentation.
PLANT HABITThe plant is short to medium inheight, with an intermediateappearance and a semi-erect habit.
STEMSThe stems are of medium thickness,with intense local pigmentation.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are of medium size andclosed. They are a mid-green colour,with a medium texture and mediumlevel of pigmentation on the mid-rib.The primary leaflets are large and ofmedium width while the secondaryleaflets are of medium size, cupped and intermediate frequency. The blade of theprimary leaflets are of medium waviness and veins are shallow.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence is small and theflowers are medium in size. Theflowers are sparse, as budsfrequently abscise before opening.The peduncle and buds possessweak to medium levels of pigment.The peduncle is of medium length.The flowers are a weak red-violetcolour with medium sized whitetips.
TUBERSThe tubers are round with mediumto deep eyes and smooth skin. Thetubers are coloured purple withpurple pigment at the base of theeyes. The tuber flesh is colouredwhite.
49
General Comments
Red Cups were first mentioned in Dutton’s Agricultural Survey of Co. Clare(1808). He said that they were the most widely planted variety because theywere both more productive and more nutritious than other varieties thenavailable. Although widely praised for their quality, they were described byAndrews (1835) as being ‘rather coarse’, and it is perhaps more accurate to saythat they were of a higher quality than the variety Lumpers, although much lessproductive. Cups were described by Davidson (1933) as the rich man’s potato.
They were badly affected by the potato blight of 1845-48, which practically ended the variety, although in Davidson’s time two types of Cups were still grown in parts of Ireland. These were Red Cup, which Davidson (1933) believed to be identical to the pre-famine variety and Gregor Cup. The latter variety however is mentioned by several authors as originating in the UK about 1903 (MacDonald, 1991; Wilson, 1993), and so it is possible that Davidson (1933) is, unusually, mistaken in this. Salaman (1926) lists the similarly named Grigor Cups as a synonym of Red Cups. The variety Red Cups was described by Davidson (1936). Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irishpotato collection.
First record: 1808
Synonyms: Cups,Grigor Cups
Maturity: Maincrop
Red Cups:
50
SPROUTSThis variety produces small, narrowcylindrical sprouts with a strong red-violetpigmentation.
PLANT HABITThe plants are tall, with an intermediateappearance and an erect habit.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withmoderate, localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are small and ofintermediate openness. They aremid-green in colour, with a mediumtexture and medium levels ofpigment concentrated where thelaterals intersect the mid-rib. Theprimary leaflets are of medium size andwidth while the secondaries are ofmedium size and frequency. The bladesof the primary leaflets are of mediumwaviness and the veins are of medium depth.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and flowers aremedium in size. Flowers tend to benumerous. The peduncle and budsare weakly pigmented. Thepeduncle is of medium length. Theflowers have a weak red-violetcolour with medium sized whitetips. Slight purple flecking of theflower can be seen.
TUBERSThe tubers are shaped round withmedium to deep eyes and smoothskin. They are pink in colour withstreaks of deeper pink across theirsurface and at the bases of theeyes. The tuber flesh is creamcoloured.
51
General Comments
The variety Rocks was the principal variety grown in Ireland from the end of theGreat Famine up to the introduction of the variety Champion c. 1880 (Davidson,1933). Howden (1837) mentioned a variety called Rocks, but Davidson (1933)considered it unlikely that this was the same variety which came to prominencea decade later, although he offers no reason for this. In 1880, the first year inwhich the acreage of potatoes grown in Ireland was officially recorded, 322,200out of a total of 820,651 acres (c. 40%) were planted with Rocks. Thereafter, theacreage of Rocks declined rapidly.
In addition to the ordinary Rocks or White Rocks, there were two sports from this varietywhich were widely grown. These were called Red Rocks (syn. Peelers) and Brown Rocks (syn.Leathers, Leathercoats, Yellow Potato). In Davidson’s time, all three were still grown in smallpatches in Ireland. Wilson (1993) said that Brown Rocks were synonymous with Rocks andnot a sport of the variety, although he did acknowledge the existence of the red and browntypes described by Davidson (1933). In addition, he said that Rocks were sometimes knownas Yellows. This very old variety was first mentioned by Rye (1730) but Davidson (1933) wasquite adamant that it was incorrect to link Yellows with Rocks. A partial description of Rockswas given by Davidson (1936). Rocks now exists only in the Irish potato collection (Kehoe,1986). The name Rocks has also be used as a corruption of the variety name Shamrock.
First record: Before 1856
Synonyms: White Rock,White Rocks,Scotch Downs,Green Tops,Protestants,Silver Skins,
Maturity: Late maincrop
Rocks:
52
SPROUTSSprouts are small, broad-conical in shape andblue-violet in colour.
PLANT HABITThe plant is tall, stemmyand semi-erect.
STEMSStems are medium thick with faintlocalised pigmentation.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are small and closed. The leavesare dull, mid-green in colour with a weakpigmentation of the mid-rib. The primaryleaflets are also small but broad while thesecondary leaflets are small and few tomedium in frequency. Tertiary leaflets aresmall and few in number. The leaf blades areweakly waved and veins are deep. Some slightpigmentation of the leaf blades of the apicalrosette can be seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe peduncle is short and almostcompletely lacking in pigmentationwhile the flower buds are stronglypigmented. The buds normallyabscise before the flowers open.Davidson (1936) said that theflowers were small, reddish-purplein colour with white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are round,with very deep eyes and skin ofmedium texture. The tubers arewhite in colour and the bases ofthe eyes are yellow. The tuber fleshis a light yellow colour.
53
General Comments
This variety was reported by Davidson (1936) to be grown around Athlone, Co.Westmeath and Clonakilty, Co. Cork. He did not consider it of commercial value.Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Late maincrop
Sackfiller:
54
SPROUTSSprouts are of medium size andbroad-cylindrical in shape. They arepale pink in colour and have a smalltip.
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, of intermediateappearance and erect.
STEMSStems are thick and strong and haveintense localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are small and open. They are amid- green colour, with glossy textureand a faint to medium pigmentedmid-rib. The primary leaflets aremedium sized and broad, while thesecondary leaflets are small and not numerous. The blades of the primary leaflets areweakly waved and medium vein depth.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and flowers arelarge. The flowers are verynumerous. The peduncle is verylong, thick and strongly colouredwhile the buds are tinged withpigment. The flowers have amedium intense red-violet colourwith medium size white tips.Prominent leaflets may be seenwithin the flower cluster. Flowersare retained late into the season.
TUBERSThe tubers are round to oval withshallow to medium deep eyes andsmooth skin. They are white incolour with the base of the eyesyellow. The tuber flesh is creamcoloured.
55
General Comments
The first record of Skerry Blue occurred in the Farmer’s Magazineof 1865, where it was mentioned as being free from potatoblight. According to Davidson (1933) the origin of this variety isunknown but it has always been regarded as an Irish varietymore than an English one.
Skerry Blue was chiefly grown in the northern counties of Irelandespecially in the neighbourhood of Lough Neagh in Co. Derry and Tyrone.It was grown for the Dublin and Belfast market. There is someconfusion as to the relationship between this variety and Black Skerry(see entry). Skerry Blue was once very popular in Ireland, its acreage in1911 being exceeded by only Champion and Up-to-date. Itssusceptibility to wart disease and the advent of new varieties such asArran Victory (also purple in colour), hastened its decline althoughDavidson (1936) said that the variety was immune to wart disease.Salaman (1926) gives Skerries as a synonym for Skerry Blue. Wilson (1993)noted that this variety was never popular but that it was highly regardedfor its culinary qualities. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was present in boththe Irish and UK potato collections. MacDonald (1991) described thisvariety and claimed that it originated in the UK and was introduced c.1846.
First record: 1865
Synonyms: Skerries
Maturity: Late maincrop
Skerry Blue:
56
SPROUTSThe sprouts of this variety are purple.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium height,intermediate appearance and aresemi-erect.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withmoderate localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGE
The leaves are small and open. Theyare a light green colour, dull in textureand have a deeply pigmented mid-rib.The primary leaflets are small, whilethe secondary leaflets are of mediumfrequency and small. The primaryleaflets are weakly waved and haveshallow to medium deep veins.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individualflowers are of medium size. Theflowers are numerous. The peduncleis short to medium in length andhas medium levels of colour as dothe buds. The flowers are a mediumintense blue purple colour and havemedium size white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are roundto oval in shape with medium todeep eyes and medium texturedskin. The tubers are purple withpurple pigment also visible at thebase of the eyes. The tuber flesh iswhite.
57
General Comments
Davidson (1936) reported that this variety was previously grown extensivelyin the midlands and west of Ireland where it was considered second only tothe variety Champion. Although the origin of this variety is unknown , hesurmised that it was introduced to Ireland as a rogue in Champion.
Kehoe (1986) noted that, as Buchan Beauty, it occurred in both the Irishand UK potato collections. He also listed this variety independently asStriped Champion and Skerry Champion. MacDonald (1991) describedBuchan Beauty in his booklet and claimed that it originated in the UKbefore 1922.
First record: 1922
Synonyms: Buchan Beauty,StripedChampion,ChampionGardenfiller,Greys
Maturity: Maincrop
SkerryChampion:
58
SPROUTSSprouts are purple.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium height, stemmyand erect.
STEMSStems are medium to thick withmoderate, localised pigmentationpresent.
FOLIAGELeaves are small and closed. They aremid-green, glossy and have mediumlevels of pigment on the mid-ribespecially at leaflet axils. The primaryleaflets are of medium size and broad,while the secondaries are small and ofmedium frequency. Tertiary leafletsare few in number and small. The primary leaflets have weakly waved leaf margins anddeep veins. Fused terminal leaflets are seldom seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individualflowers are of medium size. Flowersare numerous. The peduncle is ofmedium length while the peduncleand buds have medium levels ofpigment. The flowers are a veryintense red-violet colour with verysmall white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are roundto oval in shape with medium todeep eyes and medium texturedskin. They are coloured part blue,the pigment being concentratedmid-way between the heel androse ends. The bases of the eyes areyellow. The tuber flesh is a deepyellow colour.
59
General Comments
A variety called Snowdrop was mentioned by Malden (1895) who described it ashaving a kidney or oval shaped tuber and white flowers. Salaman (1926)described Snowdrop as a variety of little commercial importance. It was possiblyraised by Cole and introduced by John Perkin and Son, Northampton prior to1881. Davidson (1936) gave a full description of Snowdrop but little additionalinformation as to its origin. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irishpotato collection.
First record: 1881
Synonyms: Snowdrop(Resistant),Witchhill,Witch Hill
Maturity: Maincrop
Snowdrop:
60
SPROUTSSprouts are light pink at base andhave a white tip (Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITThe plant is of medium height, leafyand has a spreading habit.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness withfaint localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are long and of intermediateopenness. They are a light greencolour, with a medium-glossy textureand have weak pigmentation at thebase of the petiole but are otherwisegreen. The primary leaflets are ofmedium size, long and narrow whilethe secondaries are small and infrequent. Tertiary leaflets are very rare. The primariesare shallow veined and have moderately waved leaf blades. Fused terminals are ofmedium frequency.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescences are large andindividual flowers are of mediumsize. Flowers are seldom formed.The peduncle is very long butlacking in pigment, while the budsare weakly pigmented. The flowersare white.
TUBERSThe tubers of Snowdrop are ovalshaped with shallow eyes andmedium textured skin. They arewhite with the bases of the eyesyellow. The tuber flesh is creamcoloured.
61
General Comments
The Baron was raised by Mr C. Brown of Pitnappie, Newtyle, Scotland and firstcommercialised in 1927 (Davidson, 1936). Kehoe (1986) noted that it wasunique to the Irish potato collection. MacDonald (1991) described this variety.
First record: 1927
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Second early
The Baron:
62
SPROUTSSprouts are pink (Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITPlants are tall, of intermediate typeand erect habit.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness andhave moderate localisedpigmentation.
FOLIAGELeaves are of medium size and closed.They are a dark green colour, with amedium to glossy texture and havemedium levels of pigment on themid-rib. Primary leaflets are ofmedium size and narrow with adistinctly folded appearance, while thesecondary leaflets are of medium size and frequency. The primary leaflets have astrongly waved margin and veins of medium depth. Fused terminals occur withmedium frequency.
INFLORESCENCEBoth the inflorescence andindividual flowers are of mediumsize. Flowers are rare. The peduncleis of medium length and both itand the buds are very stronglypigmented. The flowers are white incolour.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are ovalwith shallow to medium deep eyesand skin of medium texture. Thetubers are white and the bases ofthe eyes are yellow. The tuber fleshis white.
63
General Comments
Davidson (1936) described Thome Black as a very old variety grown in theKilmacrenan area of Co. Donegal. He did not consider it a commercial variety.Kehoe (1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish potato collection.
First record: 1936
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop
ThomeBlack:
64
SPROUTSThe sprouts are purple(Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITThe plant is of medium height, leafyand spreading.
STEMSThe stems are thick with moderatelocal colouration.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are very large and closed.The leaves are light green in colour,dull in texture and the midribs arestrongly pigmented. Primary leafletsare very large while the secondaryleaflets are medium sized andfrequent. Tertiary leaflets are smalland are few in number. Leaf margins tend to be weakly waved and veins are shallow.Fused terminal leaflets are occasionally seen.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individualflowers are of medium size. Flowersoccur with medium frequency. Thepeduncle is very short and both itand the flower buds are weaklypigmented. The flowers are white incolour.
TUBERSThe tubers are round to oval withshallow to medium deep eyes andskin of medium texture. The tubersare a light purple colour and thebases of the eyes are yellow. Thetuber flesh is white but it is stainedwith a deep pink pigment.
65
General Comments
Davidson (1936) noted that this variety was collected by P. Devine, Newmills,Co. Donegal in 1925 and that it had never been grown commercially. Kehoe(1986) noted that it was unique to the Irish and UK potato collections. It wasdescribed by MacDonald (1991).
First record: 1925
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Early maincrop
Thomes:
66
SPROUTSSprouts are of medium size and anarrow cylindrical shape. Sprouts arean intense blue-violet colour.
PLANT HABITPlants are of medium height, stemmyand semi-erect.
STEMSStems are of medium thickness andvery strongly coloured over theirentire length.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are long and open. They area dark green colour, with a medium-glossy texture and have very stronglypigmented mid-ribs. Primary leafletsare medium in size and width whilesecondary leaflets small and of medium frequency. The blades of primary leaflets are ofmedium waviness and vein depth. Some slight pigmentation of the leaf blades of theapical rosette can be seen. Fusion of the terminal leaflets is rarely seen
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence is small andindividual flowers are of mediumsize. Flowers are few in frequency.The peduncle is of medium lengthand strongly pigmented, as are thebuds. The flowers have a mediumintense blue-violet colour withsmall white tips.
TUBERSThe tubers are long oval in shapewith shallow eyes and skin ofmedium texture. The tubers are adeep purple colour, as are the basesof the eyes. The tuber flesh is white,but the skin pigment extends veryslightly into the tissue.
67
General Comments
This variety was mentioned by Davidson (1936) who found it growing inCo. Kerry c. 1923. He suggested that it was possibly an American varietyand was of no commercial value. Kehoe (1986) noted that it was uniqueto the Irish potato collection. This is not the same as the variety Yankee(Davidson, 1936).
First record: 1923
Synonyms: None
Maturity: Maincrop
Yankee Baby:
68
SPROUTSThe sprouts are deep pink(Davidson, 1936).
PLANT HABITThe plant is of medium height, withintermediate appearance and semi-erect to erect stems.
STEMSThe stems are of medium thicknesswith intense localised pigmentation.
FOLIAGEThe leaves are medium long and open.They are light green in colour, mediumtextured with very pronounced colouron the mid-rib.The primary leaflets are medium tonarrow in shape, with medium deepveins and strongly waved leaf margins. The secondary and tertiary leaflets are small andnumerous.
INFLORESCENCEThe inflorescence and individualflowers are small. Inflorescences arefew in number. The peduncle isshort to medium in length, hasmedium pigmentation whereas thebuds are weakly pigmented. Theflowers have a medium intensered-violet colour and diffuse whitetips.
TUBERSThe tubers of this variety are roundto oval in shape with medium todeep eyes and medium texturedskin. The tubers are red but haveuncoloured areas and the bases ofthe eyes are also red. The tuberflesh is white but is stained pink.
69
Bibliography
Andrews, G. W. (1835). Prize Essays on the Potato and the Cause of the LatePartial Failures. Royal Dublin Society. R. Graisberry, Dublin. 72 p.
Anonymous (Undated a). The Oak Park Potato Varieties (L. J. Dowley, Eds). TeagascCrop Research Centre, Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland. 82 p.
Anonymous (Undated b) European Cultivated Potato Databasehttp://www.europotato.org/
Anonymous (1845). Tate’s Edinburgh Magazine, December, 1845 p.762
Anonymous (1986). Guidelines for the Conduct of Tests for Distinctness,Uniformity and Stability-Potato. Union Internationale pour la Protection desObtentions Vegetales. 28 p.
Davidson, W. D. (1933) The History of Potato Varieties. Department of Agriculture-Journal. 33, 57-81.
Davidson, W. D. (1936). Potato Growing for Seed Purposes. Department ofAgriculture for Ireland.
Dubordieu, J. (1812). Statistical Survey of the County Antrim. Dublin.
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MacDonald, D. (1991). A Classification of Potato Varieties in the ReferenceCollection at East Craigs, Edinburgh. Scottish Office Agriculture and FisheriesDepartment, Agricultural Scientific Services, East Craigs, Edinburgh.
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APPENDIX 1
Complete List Of Historical Accessions in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheriesand Food Potato Collection (Pre-1800 to 1950).
Variety Name Origin Date1 Status2 Information sources3
America USA 1876 Rare 1,2,3,4Arran Banner Sc 1927 Common 2,3,4Arran Cairn Sc 1929 Rare 1,2,3,4Arran Chief Sc 1907 Common 2,3,4Arran Consul Sc 1925 Common 2,3,4Arran Crest Sc 1928 Common 2,3,4Arran Peak Sc 1930 Common 2,3,4Arran Pilot Sc 1931 Common 2,3,4Arran Rose Sc 1912 Rare 1,2,3,4Arran Scout Sc 1931 Rare 2,3,4Arran Victory Sc 1912 Common 1,2,3,4Arran Viking Sc 1945 Rare 3,4Ballydoon Sc 1931 Common 2,3,4Beauties Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Beauty of Bute Sc 1890 Rare 1,2,3,4Beauty of Hebron USA 1878 Very rare 1,2,4Belgium Lily Unk Unk Very rare 5Ben Lomond Sc 1916 Rare 2,3,4Bintje NL 1910 Common 3,4The Bishop Sc 1906 Rare 1,2,3Black Champion Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Black Potato Ir Unk Very rare 5Black Skerry NI 1900 Very rare 2Blight Resister Ir Pre-1936 Very rare 2Bloomers Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Blue Kidney Ir Unk Very rare 5Blue Gloss UK Pre-1936 Rare 3Blue Neb NI Pre-19364 Very rare 2Bothwell Ir Unk Very rare 5British Queen Sc 1894 Common 1,2,3,4Buffs Ir 1850 Very rare 2,4
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Catriona Sc 1920 Rare 1,3,4Champion Sc 1862 Common 1,2,3,4Congo UK Pre-1900 Common 3,4Craig’s Alliance Sc 1948 Rare 3,4Craig’s Bounty Sc 1946 Rare 3,4Craig’s Defiance Sc 1938 Common 3,4Craig’s Royal Sc 1947 Common 3,4Crusader Sc 1913 Common 2,3Di Vernon Sc 1922 Common 1,2,3,4Donard (Nursery) NI 1927 Very rare 2,3Doon Early Sc 1934 Rare 2,3,4Doon Star Sc 1928 Common 2,3,4Dr. McIntosh Sc 1944 Common 3,4Dunbar Cavalier Sc 1929 Rare 2,3,4Dunbar Rover Sc 1936 Common 2,3,4Dunbar Standard Sc 1936 Rare 2,3,4Earl of Essex Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Dunbar Yeoman Sc 1932 Common 2,3,4Early Market Eng 1884 Rare 1,2,3,4Early Ohio USA Unk Common 2Early Regent Eng 1882 Very rare 2,4Eclipse Eng 1900 Rare 2,3,4Edgecote Purple Eng c.1900 Rare 1,2,3,4Edzell Blue Sc c.1900 Rare 1,2,3,4Eigenheimer NL 1893 Common 2,3,4Eightyfold Eng 1894 Very rare 1,2,4Epicure Eng 1897 Common 1,2,3,4Etoile de Leon Fr 1935 Common 3,4Evergood Eng 1900 Common 1,2,3,4Farmers Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Field Marshal Sc 1920 Very rare 1,2,3Flounders Ir Pre-1880 Very rare 2Flourball Ir 1895 Common 1,2,3,4Gardenfiller Ir 1798 Rare 2,3,4Gawkies Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Gladstone Sc 1935 Common 2,3,4Golden Wonder Sc 1906 Common 1,2,3,4Great Scot Sc 1909 Common 1,2,3,4
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Green Champion ? Pre-1936 Very rare 2Gregor Cups UK 1903 Rare 2,3,4Haddingtons Ir Pre-1936 Very rare 2Herald Sc 1932 Common 2,3,4Home Guard Sc 1942 Common 3,4Idaho Unk Unk Very rare 5Immune Ashleaf Ger 1891 Rare 1,2,3International Kidney Eng 1879 Common 1,2,3,4Irish Chieftain Ir 1917 Rare 1,2,3Irish Queen NI 1916 Rare 2,3Irish White NI 1882 Rare 2,3John Bull UK Pre-1936 Rare 2,3K. of K. Sc 1920 Rare 1,2,4Kerr’s Pink Sc 1907 Common 1,2,3,4King Edward (VII) Eng 1902 Common 1,2,3,4King George V Sc 1911 Rare 1,2,3,4Langworthy Sc 1905 Rare 1,3,4Lochar Sc 1915 Rare 1,2,3Long Island White Ir Unk Very rare 5Lumper Ir 1800 Very rare 2,3,4Lymn Grey UK Pre-1936 Rare 2,3Majestic Sc 1911 Common 1,2,3,4Marquis of Bute Sc 1921 Rare 1,2,3May Queen Eng 1900 Common 1,2,3,4Mein’s Early Round UK 1916 Rare 2,3,4Mill Street Hero Ir Pre-1936 Very rare 2Miller’s Beauty Sc 1920 Very rare 2Ninetyfold Eng 1897 Common 1,2,3,4North Island Skerry Ir Unk Very rare 5Northern Star Sc 1900 Rare 1,2,3,4Peach Bloom USA Pre-1936 Rare 2,3Peerless NI 1919 Rare 2,3Pink Fir Apple F Pre-1850 Common 3,4President NL 1896 Common 1,2,3,4Pride of Bute UK Pre-1936 Rare 2,3Pride of Perth Ir Unk Very rare 5Puritan USA Pre-19364 Rare 2,3Purple Champion Unk Unk Very rare 5Record NL 1925 Common 3,4
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Red Cups Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Red Kidney UK Unk Rare 2,3Red Rock Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 5Red Skin (Russet) Sc 1932 Very rare 2,3,4Rhoderick Dhu Sc 1914 Rare 1,2,3Ridgeway Rossmore Unk Unk Very rareRoyal Kidney Sc 1899 Common 1,2,3,4Ruby Queen Sc 1894 Very rare 2Sackfiller Poss IR Pre-1936 Very rare 2Shamrock UK Pre-1900 Common 2,3Sharpe’s Express Eng 1901 Common 1,2,3,4Sharpe’s Victor Eng 1891 Common 1,2,3,4Skerry Blue UK 1865 Rare 2,3,4Skerry Champion Sc Pre-1936 Very rare 2Snowdrop Eng 1881 Very rare 1Snowflake Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2,4Spry’s Abundance Sc Pre-1936 Rare 2,3Stormont Dawn NI 1942 Common 3,4Striped Champion Unk Unk Very rareSutton’s Abundance Eng 1886 Rare 3Sutton’s Victoria Eng 1863 Very rare 4Templar Sc 1906 Rare 1,2,3,4The Baron UK 1927 Very rare 2,3Thome Black Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 2Thomes Ir Pre-1936 Rare 2,3Tinwald Perfection Sc 1914 Very rare 1,2,3,4Ulster Chieftain NI 1938 Common 3,4Ulster Commerce NI 1939 Rare 3,4Ulster Dale NI 1948 Common 3,4Ulster Earl NI 1943 Rare 3,4Ulster Leader NI 1947 Rare 3,4Ulster Premier NI 1945 Common 3,4Ulster Prince NI 1947 Common 3,4Ulster Supreme NI 1948 Common 3,4Up-to-Date Sc 1894 Common 1,2,3,4White City Sc 1909 Very rare 1,2,3,4White Rock Ir Pre-19364 Very rare 4Yam UK 1836 Rare 2,3Yankee Baby USA Pre-1936 Very rare 2
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1 Date raised or introduced2 From Kehoe (Very Rare=Irish Collection, Rare = Irish and UK Collection, Common=
three collections or more)3 In addition to field observations made during the course of this work the following
historical descriptions have been consulted: (1) Salaman (1926); (2) Davidson (1936);(3) MacDonald (1991); (4) Wilson (1993); (5) new original description
4 Described by Davidson (1936) as being very old.
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APPENDIX 2
List of Synonyms Described Potato Varieties
Variety Synonym
Beauties NoneBlack Champion Scotch Greys
GreysBlack Potato NoneBlack Skerry Skerry
RehedeeBlight Resister NoneBloomers Brown Black
Black Bull StarterStouterStouters
Bothwell NoneBuffs NoneChampion Nicol’s Champion
Old Champion Old Scotch Champion
SchoolmasterRed Cups Cups
Grigor CupsEarl of Essex Blue Eyes
Copper Duns Shaun Power
Farmer’s GloryFarmers NoneFlourball Dargavel
Helon’s Plentiful Keeper
Gawkies NoneGreen Champion Brown Champion
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Blight DefenderQueen Mauve
Haddingtons NoneGardenfiller Garden Filler
Hibernia Land Leaguers Home Rulers
Irish Chieftain NoneIrish Queen Moss PinkLumper NoneMill Street Hero NonePeerless NoneRocks White Rock
White RocksScotch Downs
Green TopsProtestantsSilver Skins
Sackfiller NoneSkerry Blue SkerriesSkerry Champion Buchan Beauty
Striped ChampionChampion Gardenfiller
GreysSnowdrop Snowdrop (Resistant)
Witch Hill Witchill
The Baron NoneThome Black NoneThomes NoneYankee Baby None
Potato Varieties ofHistorical Interest in IrelandPotato Varieties of H
istorical Interest in Ireland
