heavy russet skin. Legend is a dual-purpose selection suitable for use in the fresh market and for
processing as high quality French fries. This selection emerges rapidly and has a medium
vine with white flowers. Legend has a determinate growth habit and a moderate root
system. Tubers are oblong to long, with white flesh. Eyes are shallow and fairly well
distributed. Specific gravity is medium to high (1.087+). Yield potential may exceed
450 cwt./acre, with US No. 1 production in excess of 90%.
GROWING SEASON MANAGEMENT
Pre-planting considerations: Tubers have medium dormancy. Single drop or cut seed
is acceptable. When using cut seed, utilize practices which enhance suberization and
prevent decay by pathogens. For seed, within-row spacing should be 6-8 inches. For
commercial production space at about 12 inches. Plant seed about 4 inches deep with a
good cover.
Fertility: Total fertilizer applied during the growing season should be in the following
range, based upon soil analysis: N(160-180), P(100-200), K(0-60). Pre-plant
incorporated N should be from 70 to 90#. Early season N applications do not seem to
adversely affect the timing of tuberization. Sprinkler applied N should be in the 70 to
90# range, with applications ending within one month of harvest to promote adequate
vine maturity and tuber skin set.
Irrigation: Interval at the maximum ET is about 3 days. Drought tolerance is moderate.
Water usage will decline as vines mature, so monitor fields to prevent over watering late
in the season and potential decay by pathogens such as Pythium or Phytophthora.
Pest control:
Weeds: Competition against weeds is good. Legend is resistant to metrubuzin.
Adverse reactions to other commonly utilized herbicides for potato production
have not been noted in grower experiences.
Insects/Diseases: Standard insect control measures generally are effective.
Control of foliar early blight usually requires 4-5 applications of fungicide.
Tuber development: Russet Legend consistently sets 7-9 tubers per plant. Tubers are
set somewhat shallow in the hill, so greening may be a factor. Tuberization occurs early
and tubers bulk at a very rapid rate. Legend will occasionally develop growth cracks and
second growth. Internal quality is good. Tubers have a moderate response to shatter and
blackspot bruise.
Vine kill: Average days from planting to vine kill are 105 to I IO. Vine killing is usually
required and is easy to accomplish. Adequate skin set occurs at about 21 days. Oversize
tubers may be a problem, so carefully monitor the crop beginning in mid-August.
STORAGE MANAGEMENT
Legend is a long-term storage potato with few problems, and sprouting is minimal.
Legend may be stored slightly cooler than Russet Burbank if intended for processing.
DISEASE REACTION
Overall disease problems are minimal. Bacterial ring rot foliar symptom expression is
adequate and occurs within 95 days after planting. Potato leafroll virus symptoms are
also sufficient. Bacterial soft rot, caused by Erwinia, may be a problem in storage, and in
the field as seed piece decay.
Field
Foliar early blight Moderately Susceptible
Verticillium wilt Moderately Resistant
Blackleg Susceptible
Seedpiece decay Moderately Susceptible
Leafroll virus Moderately Susceptible
Leafroll net necrosis Moderately Resistant
PVY Susceptible
PVX Susceptible
Common scab Unknown
Bacterial ring rot Susceptible
Storage
Tuber early blight Moderately Susceptible
Bacterial soft rot Moderately Susceptible
Fusarium dry rot Moderately Susceptible
Leak (Pythium)
Pink rot (Phytophthora) Unknown
Silver scurf Unknown
Rhizoctonia scurf Unknown
Disease reaction ratings = susceptible, moderately susceptible, moderate, moderately resistant and resistant.
Note: This information should only be used as a guide. Adjustments for local conditions must always be made.