ALPHA

	Description
	Tuber Shape	Oval
	Eyes	Shallow evenly distributed eyes
	Skin	Smooth yellow
	Flesh	yellow
	Plant	Medium to large sized upright vine with light red purple flowers

Alpha is a very popular variety in Mexico. It has a large upright vine, has long tubers with smooth white skin and yellow flesh. It is a sturdy plant very resistant to poor growing conditions. Utilization is fresh market potatoes. Alpha was released in 1925 in Holland by Prof. Ir. J.C. Dorst.

GROWING SEASON MANAGEMENT

Pre-planting considerations: Tubers have a medium dormancy. Planting either single drop or cut seed is acceptable. Excessive warming of seed prior to planting should be avoided as rapid sprouting and physiological aging may reduce stands and yields., Seed Piece depth should be 2-4" with a good hill cover.

Fertility: Total fertilizer applied during the growing season should be in the following range based on soil analysis,: N(140-180), P(120-260),K(0-60),S(40). Pre-plant incorporated N should be from 90-100#. Sprinkler applied N should be in the 80-90# range at a rate of 20# per application. Applications should end at least one month prior to estimated vine kill to promote plant maturity. Performance in alkali soil is good.

Irrigation: Irrigation interval at the maximum ET is three days. Drought tolerance is good. Monitor soil moisture carefully.

Pest Control: Competition against weeds is good. Alpha is not sensitive to any of the major herbicides. Standard insect control measures are generally effective. Control of foliar early blight usually requires eight to ten fungicide applications.

Tuber Development: Tuber set is heavy and occurs in the middle of the hill. Tuberization occurs early and tubers bulk at a fast rate mid-season. Tubers are moderately resistant to shatter bruise.

Vine Kill: Average days from planting to vine kill are 110+. Vine killing is required in most years. Vines can be difficult to kill if foliage immaturity persists to the end of the growing season. Adequate skin set occurs within 14-21 days.

STORAGE MANAGEMENT

Alpha is a good long term storage potato with few problems. Extended dormancy results in minimum sprouting problems. Early blight tuber decay may be prevalent if skinning occurs at harvest due to immature tubers.

DISEASE REACTION

This cultivar can express moderate foliar symptoms of bacterial ring rot. Typical interveinal chlorosis can occur within 90 days after planting. Virus symptom expression is excellent.