Possibly world’s largest potato to receive DNA test in bid for Guinness record
Written by Angie Sharma on January 22, 2022
A New Zealand couple who grew what they believe to be the world’s largest potato said a sliver of the spud has been sent for DNA testing in their bid to have it declared a Guinness World Record.
Colin and Donna Craig-Brown, who found the titanic tuber in their Waikato garden in the fall, said the potato — dubbed “Dug the Spud” — was weighed under supervision at more than 17 pounds, dwarfing the current Guinness record of 10 pounds, 14 ounces.
The Craig-Browns said they have been in contact with Guinness World Records, but the organization keeps responding with requests for more evidence.
“It’s just a never-ending case of having to do whatever they ask for next,” Colin Craig-Brown told Newshub.
The couple submitted photos, video and a statement of verification from an agronomist, but Guinness has now requested a DNA test be performed to confirm Dug’s species.
“They need to know what genus it is, what variety it is, you know, what his grandfather’s name was,” Colin Craig-Brown said.
The couple said a sliver from Dug is being sent to Lincoln University in Scotland for DNA analysis.
“We will do everything they ask of us … so at the end of the day, they can say yes or no,” Colin Craig-Brown told Stuff.co.nz.
The couple said Dug has lost some weight as a result of liquid loss, and is being kept frozen until they get official word from Guinness.
