Yukon Gem  / NDA5507-3Y (PDF)

Released in 2006, this round-oblong, yellow-fleshed variety is very similar to its parent, Yukon Gold. However, Yukon Gem (NDA5507-3Y) is higher-yielding (12% higher in Idaho) than Yukon Gold and is resistant to PVY, common scab, tuber blight (early and late), net necrosis, blackspot and shatter bruise. It is moderately resistant to dry rot and foliar late blight. Its resistances make it a good candidate for organic production. It also makes acceptable chips, but its lower specific gravity may limit its use for this purpose.

Yukon Gem is a mid-season selection with light-yellow flesh and higher yield potential than Yukon Gold (its paternal parent). It is also notable for its PVY and tuber blight resistances that are derived from its Scottish parent, Brodick. Yukon Gem total yield across all Western regional sites was significantly greater than Yukon Gold in repeated trials. Merit ratings for fresh pack characteristics including post harvest evaluations for boiling, baking, and microwave characteristics were comparable to those for Yukon Gold in all four years. Yukon Gem has moderately low specific gravity and good resistance to tuber malformations and most internal and external defects; its tubers exhibit little or no after-cooking darkening. It produces acceptable potato chips, but its lower specific gravity may limit its use for this purpose.