Levante POTATO
Quick Overview
- Levante is an early maincrop potato variety developed by Agrico, known for its high yield and appealing qualities tailored for modern consumers.
- It stands out as a “Next Generation” variety, bred with a focus on sustainability and resistance to diseases like late blight.
- This potato is versatile, suitable for boiling, mashing, and baking, making it a popular choice in both conventional and organic farming.
- Bullet Points:
- High-yielding ware potato.
- Part of Agrico’s Next Generation lineup.
- Adaptable for various culinary uses.
Origin & History
- Levante was originally developed as a seedling within Agrico’s breeding program in the Netherlands, aimed at enhancing late blight resistance for sustainable potato farming.
- After showing promise in trial fields, it transitioned into a full variety development program, with its official introduction to the market in 2018.
- Its lineage traces back to the parent variety Almera, combined with traits selected for modern agricultural needs and consumer preferences.
- Bullet Points:
- Originated in the Netherlands by Agrico Research BV.
- Introduced in 2018 after extensive testing.
- Derived from the Almera potato lineage.
Specifications
- Levante is classified as an early maincrop variety, meaning it matures slightly later than early varieties but still offers a relatively quick harvest cycle.
- It produces tubers with a clear, yellow skin and a rather floury texture, ideal for a range of cooking methods.
- The variety is designed for good storability, ensuring it remains viable for extended periods post-harvest under proper conditions.
- Bullet Points:
- Early maincrop maturity.
- Yellow-skinned tubers with a floury consistency.
- Excellent storage potential.
Key Characteristics
- Levante boasts resistance to late blight in both its foliage and tubers, reducing the need for chemical crop protection and supporting organic growing practices.
- It exhibits high tuberization, meaning it produces a substantial number of tubers per plant, contributing to its impressive yield.
- The potato’s clear skin and yellow flesh not only enhance its visual appeal but also align with consumer preferences for versatile, attractive varieties.
- Bullet Points:
- Late blight resistance in foliage and tubers.
- High tuber count per plant.
- Attractive clear skin and yellow flesh.
Health Benefits
- Like most potatoes, Levante provides essential nutrients such as carbohydrates for energy, along with vitamins like C and B6, though specific nutritional data for this variety isn’t widely detailed.
- Its resistant starch content, typical of potatoes when cooled after cooking, may support digestive health by acting as a prebiotic for gut bacteria.
- With reduced need for pesticides due to its disease resistance, Levante can contribute to a cleaner, potentially healthier food option for consumers.
- Bullet Points:
- Rich in carbohydrates and key vitamins.
- Contains resistant starch for gut health.
- Lower pesticide residue potential.