RBM134 - A MUTANT OF RUSSET BURBANK SUSCEPTIBLE TO BLACKSPOT BRUISE

A radiation induced mutant of Russet Burbank was recovered that is mor e susceptible to blackspot bruise than the original cultivar. The muta nt was evaluated and characterized for several agronomic and biochemic al traits. Compared to Russet Burbank the mutant had slightly lower tu ber yield, smaller average tuber weight, a higher number of tubers per plant, higher percent tuber dry matter, similar total tuber dry matte r yield, lower tuber protein and higher free tyrosine content. Vine gr owth and appearance was indistinguishable from Russet Burbank, This mu tant should provide an excellent tool for better understanding the tub er characteristics contributing to blackspot bruising in potatoes.