Department of Horticultural Science
Project Leader: Dr. G Craig Yencho
Researcher and Extension Associate: Mark Clough
The Potato Breeding and Genetics Program is housed at the Vernon G. James Research and Extension Center in Plymouth NC. Our project leader, Dr. Craig Yencho is located on main campus where he also heads the Sweetpotato Breeding and Genetics Program. In Plymouth our programs activties are headed up by Mr. Mark Clough. The programs goal is to develop and screen new varieties, advanced clones, and germplasm and to select materials better suited for North Carolina and the Southeastern US. We are working toward this goal through collaborations with the USDA-ARS, Cornell University, and the University of Maine as well as other breeding programs across the US. Our largest projects currently include: 1) early generation selection of materials in collaboration with the University of Maine and Cornell University and the USDA-ARS; 2) A collaborative breeding and screening effort with the USDA-ARS Potato Breeder, Dr. Kathy Haynes, in Beltsville, MD for Internal Heat Necrosis resistance and the use of molecular markers to gain incite into the physiological disorder 3) a project focused on resistance to Colorado Potato Beetle and 4) a focused effort to develop and introduce specialty type potatoes that may potentially bring elevated prices for small niche markets.
All variety trial reports (1999 to present) are available by clicking the link to the left titled reports. To inquire specifically about a variety use the Potato Database link to the left, records on the database go back to 1995.