Effect of seed production location on the performance of Russet Burbank clones in southern Australia

In this study, three clones of Russet Burbank were grown at five different seed production sites and one other clone was grown at three of these sites. Seed from these treatments was then evaluated at two commercial production sites, in Victoria and Tasmania. Production site had a significant effect on the subsequent performance. Plant establishment, vigor, maturity, and stem and tuber number per plant were influenced by seed production site. Seed from more southerly locations had increased plant emergence, greater early vigor, earlier maturity, and reduced stem and tuber numbers per plant. Differences between the Tasmanian, Ruen and Victorian Netted Gem clones were small and restricted to the numbers of stems and tubers produced, and some yield components. The Ballarat clone was late maturing and had a high total but low marketable yield due to high levels of oversized and misshapen tubers. However this clone also showed least dark end to the fried crisp. Interactions were detected between clone and seed production site but these have no practical significance.