A promising, unpretentious and productive variety of potatoes "Desiree" from Dutch breeders
Dutch varieties and hybrids are widely distributed throughout the world due to their striking characteristics. Desiree potatoes are no exception, they gained immense popularity in a short time, showing high yields and resistance to diseases. Taste qualities of potatoes increase the prospects of culture. It is used not only in private households, but also in large-scale industries for preparing fast food.
The content of the article
What kind of potato is this
Desiree is a table type with a high starch content. It is widely used in farms for cultivation for sale. It has an increased demand not only in retail trade, but is also purchased by large processing enterprises and restaurant chains.
Origin and development
The homeland of Desire potatoes is Holland, Netherlands. The originator is the selection company HZPC HOLLAND B.V. The name of the variety is translated from English as "desire" and, in general, is supported by its super characteristics.
When developing the variety, breeders focused on increased yields. The task was successfully completed, and after numerous tests, the culture confirmed its ability to bear fruit above standard norms. This fact piqued the interest of entrepreneurs, and soon the variety took over numerous fields throughout the West.
In Russia, Desiree gained popularity in the late 90s. Then it was entered into the state register of breeding achievements.
Distinctive features, appearance
The average weight of tubers is 80-100 g, the shape is oval, the peel is smooth with a reddish tinge, there are few eyes. The pulp is light yellow, even lemon in color, the taste is sweet. The starch content ranges from 14-21%. The growth conditions of the plant affect the formation of starch.
The use of vegetables is universal - from preparing absolutely any dishes to processing at large enterprises.
Thanks to the strong peel, the safety of the fruits is kept at a high level - not less than 97% of the total weight. Vegetables are subject to long-term transportation and retain their presentation.
The nutritional value of tubers is undeniable: they contain a lot of protein, carotene and mineral salts.
The photo shows Desiree potatoes.
Description of the variety
The bush is medium-sized, the spreading is moderate, the leaves are dark green, medium-sized. The root system is well developed, the stem is powerful. When flowering, the bush forms medium-sized purple flowers, collected in a compact corolla.
The plant is distinguished by increased immunity to potato cancer and viral diseases, as well as late blight of tubers, but it is weakly resistant to late blight of leaves.
Saplings quickly adapt to drought, but cannot stand a sharp cold snap and excess moisture.
Ripening periods are average - from the moment of landing 80-90 days pass to full maturity. Seed material does not degenerate, the genetic fund is preserved for a long time.
Yield
The characteristics of the variety should be supplemented with yield indicators. 150-390 centners of potatoes are harvested from 1 ha. The yield is influenced by weather conditions, soil composition and care during the growing season.So, potatoes will not please with good fruiting when planted in clay soil.
One bush forms up to 20 uniformly sized lined potatoes. There are practically no small tubers of an unmarketable species.
How to grow Desiree potatoes
Light sandy soil with normal acidity is suitable for growing crops. Timely application of dressings significantly affects the rate of fruiting.
reference... With increased acidity of the soil, sorrel, meadow mariannik and blueberries grow on the site. It is not recommended to plant potatoes in such soil. Add dolomite flour or slaked lime to the soil to reduce acidity.
Presowing treatment
The seed is prepared one month before planting. After long-term storage, it is carefully examined for visible damage and healthy specimens of light color are selected.
The usual weight of planting tubers does not exceed 100 g. Potatoes are laid out in a bright room at a temperature of at least + 16 ° C for germination.
reference... Only sprouted tubers are planted. If there are no shoots, there will be no shoots.
They start planting as soon as the sprouts reach 2-2.5 cm. Immediately before sowing, the tubers are treated with a growth stimulant, for example, the drug "Kornevin". The product will protect potatoes from diseases and accelerate germination.
Timing, scheme and landing rules
Planting begins at a soil temperature of + 10 ° C and an air temperature of + 17 ... + 19 ° C. Typically, this temperature regime is established in late April - early May.
The soil is prepared in the fall: it is dug up with the introduction of humus and wood ash, thereby increasing its fertility. In the spring, two weeks before sowing, they dig it again.
reference... Digging the soil destroys most of the pests living in the ground and fungal spores.
Planting scheme: 30-35 cm - distance between seedlings, at least 75 cm - distance between rows. The depth of the holes is 8-10 cm. A little humus is placed on the bottom of each hole, the seed material is laid out with sprouts up and sprinkled with wood ash.
Further care
Crop care is simple and comes down to standard procedures. This is another reason why farmers prefer to grow Desiree potatoes on an industrial scale. The investment of time and effort is not much, and the result exceeds expectations.
Watering
The variety does not need frequent watering. He is not afraid of drought, but does not tolerate high humidity. Water abundantly only on hot and hot days - moisture is needed for the full formation of tubers.
reference... The best type of irrigation is drip irrigation. The water flows directly to the root system without increasing the moisture level in the beds.
Loosening is important to improve breathability. Oxygen is essential for plant life.
As the weeds grow, weeding is carried out. Weeds are a serious threat to the health of seedlings. Numerous pests and fungal spores multiply in the grass, which are subsequently spread to potatoes and other crops.
After weeding, the beds are mulched with peat, dry sawdust or straw. Mulching saves plantings from ground pests and inhibits the growth of weeds.
Hilling is carried out twice a season. The soil is raked from the row spacings with a hoe to plants. The procedure protects tubers not only from sunlight, but also from the penetration of such dangerous pests as wireworm.
Top dressing
As mentioned earlier, top dressing significantly affects fruiting, increasing the quantitative indicator. Fertilization of the soil begins during digging, in autumn and spring. Humus and ash are introduced into the soil, increasing its nutritional value.
After planting potatoes, after two weeks, the seedlings are fed with nitrogenous substances to build up green mass.
The second top dressing is applied at the time of flowering. Fertilized with organic matter - bird droppings in a ratio of 1:10.
Important! If diluted insufficiently, the high concentration of organic compounds will cause root burns.
1-2 weeks before the beginning of fruiting, the potatoes are fed with a full mineral complex with the addition of potassium sulfate. Organic fertilizers are applied to strongly acidic soil, since, unlike mineral substances, organic matter is better absorbed in an acidic environment.
Disease and pest control
To avoid damage by late blight, plantings are sprayed with copper-containing preparations. Moreover, absolutely all plants on the site are treated. Late blight refers to fungal diseases, and, infecting one crop, fungal spores quickly attack other seedlings. The disease spreads quickly, destroying up to 70% of all plantings.
The optimal conditions for its development are high humidity combined with high temperatures. That is why it is important to control the moisture level in the beds. Moderate watering, systematic loosening and top dressing are also considered disease prevention and improve the immunity of seedlings.
In case of late blight disease, diseased plants are destroyed, and the remaining plantings are treated with "Fitosporin". This drug belongs to contact fungicides and performs prophylactic and therapeutic functions.
To protect the seedlings from insect pests, in particular the bear and the Colorado potato beetle, drugs such as "Medvetox" and "Prestige" will help. Medvetox granules are buried a few centimeters into the ground, as the bear lives underground and harms the root system.
The drug "Prestige" is used against the Colorado potato beetle if there is a lot of pests in the beds. With a small amount, the insect is collected by hand, carefully examining the plants from all sides.
Collection, storage and use of the crop
The first tubers ripen by mid-summer, but the massive harvest is in September. Two days before harvesting, the tops are mowed. It is not advisable to leave it on the field, as pests can remain in it that can harm the tubers.
After digging out of the ground, the potatoes are left for several hours under the sun to dry. If the sun is bright, scorching, a canopy should be provided.
After drying, the potatoes are placed in wooden boxes and sent to a dry, cool room for further storage. They are also transported to any distance.
Due to their excellent sweetish taste and non-watery structure, potatoes are widely used in cooking: baked, boil, fried, stewed with other vegetables and meat and put on the filling for pies. The crispness of vegetables allows you to get a tasty and airy puree.
In addition to home cooking, potatoes are used in mass production for the preparation of convenience foods and chips.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Desiree has the following advantages:
- unpretentious care;
- resistance to many diseases;
- increased productivity;
- drought adaptation;
- high taste;
- excellent transportability;
- long-term storage;
- preservation of the gene pool;
- the possibility of quick implementation;
- versatility in cooking.
The disadvantages include susceptibility to late blight and poor tolerance of excess moisture.
Which regions is best suited for
The Desiree potato variety is capable of growing throughout the territory of the Russian Federation. But the richest fruiting potatoes pleases the inhabitants of the southern regions.
Reviews
Positive reviews confirm the trustworthiness of the culture. Many gardeners prefer it, despite the varietal variety.
Vladimir, Moscow: “After reading about the increased yield, at first I thought that the crop belongs to fodder crops. After reviewing the characteristics in more detail, I realized that the variety is table. I tried it on my beds the same year. The harvest is good. The potatoes are of high quality, delicious. I am thinking about growing for sale.There is a good demand for these vegetables. "
Elena, Saratov region: “I like this potato because of its sweet, rich taste. Her friability is moderate, I cook any dishes, she is good in baking, cooking and mashed potatoes. I also make salads in winter. With mayonnaise, potatoes are especially pleasing with their taste. "
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Conclusion
The Desiree potato variety is distinguished by increased productivity, resistance to many dangerous diseases, simple agricultural technology and increased demand in sales markets. Potatoes are in demand in private households and large processing plants.