ARSENAL POTATO
Quick Overview
The Arsenal potato is an early maincrop crisping variety developed by Agrico, known for its high yield and suitability for processing into potato chips. It stands out due to its extensive resistance to potato cyst nematodes, making it a reliable choice for growers in regions affected by this pest. This variety combines strong agronomic traits with qualities that appeal to the crisp industry, such as high dry matter content.
- High-yielding crisping potato variety
- Early maincrop with nematode resistance
- Ideal for potato chip production
Origin & History
The Arsenal potato was bred by Agrico Research BV in the Netherlands, with its introduction registered in 2009, reflecting years of selective breeding for specific traits. Its origins tie back to the broader history of potato cultivation, which began in the Andes of South America around 7,000–10,000 years ago, though Arsenal itself is a modern cultivar tailored for industrial use. Since its introduction, it has become a mainstay in the UK crisping sector, with significant production volumes reported annually by growers like Spearhead Marketing Ltd.
- Developed by Agrico Research BV, Netherlands
- Introduced in 2009 for commercial use
- Builds on centuries of potato domestication history
Specifications
Arsenal potatoes are characterized by their round-oval tubers, featuring yellow skin and light yellow flesh, with shallow eyes that facilitate processing. They are classified as an early maincrop variety, meaning they mature relatively early in the season while still offering the yield typical of later varieties. The variety is noted for high tuber numbers per plant and requires a preventative spray program due to susceptibility to foliage and tuber blight.
- Round-oval tubers with shallow eyes
- Yellow skin and light yellow flesh
- Early maincrop maturity timeline
Key Characteristics
One of Arsenal’s standout features is its extensive resistance to potato cyst nematodes, a major pest that can devastate potato crops, enhancing its appeal to farmers. It boasts a high dry matter content, which is crucial for producing crispy, high-quality potato chips, alongside consistently good tuber numbers and low outgrades. The variety also exhibits good dormancy, allowing for medium-term storage, though it’s susceptible to foliage discolouration from certain herbicides like Metribuzin.
- Extensive resistance to potato cyst nematodes
- High dry matter content for crisping
- Good dormancy for medium-term storage
Health Benefits
As a potato variety, Arsenal shares the general nutritional benefits of potatoes, providing a good source of carbohydrates for energy, with about 110 calories per medium-sized tuber (148g). It contains essential nutrients like vitamin C (around 30% of daily value per serving), which supports immune function and collagen production, and potassium (15% of daily value), which aids heart and muscle health. The presence of resistant starch, especially when cooled after cooking, promotes gut health by acting as a prebiotic, though specific nutrient levels in Arsenal may vary slightly from other varieties.
- Rich in carbohydrates and vitamin C
- Good source of potassium for heart health
- Contains resistant starch for gut benefits