NDSU researchers see great potential in colorful potatoes

Among the hundreds of potato varieties that North Dakota State University researchers work with, some are certainly eye-catching.

Donning vibrant hues of blue, purple and red, specialty spuds stand out from more mainstream varieties like the Russets or Yukon Golds typically found in grocery store displays.

NDSU’s potato breeding program began in 1930 with the goal of establishing superior varieties that meet the needs of regional producers in the potato industry.

That includes everything from growing disease- and pest-resistant varieties to evaluating different types for use in the commercial marketplace, said Asunta “Susie” Thompson, a potato breeder and associate professor at NDSU.

Potato breeders at the university create hybrid varieties by crossing two parent versions, but there’s no genetic engineering involved at this time, she said.