The Lumper or Irish Lumper is a European heirloom potato variety dating back to 1806. It was once widely cultivated in Ireland, where it became a near monocrop due to its high production. However, the Lumper is most famously known for its role in the Irish Potato Famine, as it was highly susceptible to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), the disease that decimated crops in the 1840s, leading to mass starvation and emigration.
While it was valued for its yield, the Lumper's vulnerability to disease made it unreliable for sustained food security. Despite its historical significance, the Lumper has seen a revival in recent years, with efforts to improve its texture and taste, allowing it to be appreciated once again for its role in agricultural heritage.
Tuber Characteristics:
- Shape: Irregular oval, often lumpy.
- Size: Medium to large tubers.
- Skin: Rough, brown skin.
- Flesh: White and waxy, best for boiling or mashing.
- Texture: Moist and waxy, not ideal for baking
Resistances:
- Late Blight: Very low resistance, which contributed to the Irish Potato Famine.
- Other Diseases: Susceptible to common scab and potato cyst nematodes.
- General Resistance: The Lumper lacks the disease resistance seen in modern potato varieties.