The best seeds of elite potato varieties
The growth and yield of the crop directly depends on the quality of the planting material. When growing potatoes, the choice of quality seeds is also important. Elite potato varieties give good results. Professional agricultural firms are engaged in the cultivation of high-quality potato seeds, and their high quality will satisfy even an experienced professional.
Reproduction of elite seeds
The breeding and cultivation process is lengthy and can take about 10 years. And also the production of high-quality seed elite potatoes is a laborious and responsible business. In order for the characteristics of the variety to be preserved, and the planting material to give a good harvest, it must be properly grown and go through several stages of reproduction in the laboratory, and then in the field.
- Crossing and obtaining seeds.
- Sowing and growing mini-tubers.
- Reproduction of mini-tubers and obtaining the first field reproduction.
- Cultivation of the super elite.
- Raising the elite.
- Landing the elite for the first reproduction.
The first two stages (1 - crossing to obtain seeds, 2 - sowing the obtained materials, growing the first tubers.) Are carried out in the laboratory under the strict control of geneticists-breeders. But the next ones are carried out in the field, by agricultural firms that specialize in this type of activity. At all stages, cultivation is carried out under strict control and in accordance with all the rules. The resulting harvest of the superelite must have all the declared characteristics and be absolutely healthy.
Remove plants that are inadequate or grow weak. Selected bushes are intensively treated against diseases and pests. All this allows you to grow the highest quality seeds of the super-elite category and the elite for planting.
Manufacturers
The cultivation of seeds of elite potato varieties can only be carried out by certified industries that meet international and state standards. These are specialized agricultural firms that carry out all stages of selection and cultivation until the desired reproduction and sale are obtained, or they grow the first and second reproduction from the elite.
Agrofirms that have proven themselves well in this area include:
- Sedek;
- Adelaide;
- Norika;
- IPM Potato;
- Institute of Potato Growing NAAS;
- Solana;
- EUROPLANT Pflanzenzucht GmbH.
Elite varieties produced by these agricultural firms are presented in the lists of the best in the world and have been presenting them at the International Exhibition in Holland for more than one year.
The best elite varieties
Thanks to such efforts, more and more new elite varieties are being bred and high-quality seed potatoes are grown.
Among the best species there are both representatives of domestic and foreign selection with different ripening periods and distinctive characteristics.The maximum seed yield of superelite and elite is celebrated. Each subsequent reproduction at planting reduces the yield by 25%.
Advantages of elite species
- high productivity;
- disease resistance;
- high taste characteristics;
- resistance to bad weather conditions.
disadvantages
- renewal of planting material every 3-5 years;
- decrease in yield with each next reproduction.
Elite varieties of foreign selection
The varieties of Dutch selection have proven themselves well for growing in the middle lane. They easily adapt to weather conditions and give the highest yields.
Evolution
Belongs to early maturing, universal tubers. Evolution is characterized by large tubers and their rapid growth. Up to 12 tubers ripen under one bush. The shape of the potatoes is oval, with even outlines. The skin color is dark red and the flesh is light white. The main advantages of the variety include a high yield of more than 60 t / ha, resistance to scab and viral diseases. Of the shortcomings, the requirements for watering are distinguished.
Colomba
Ultra early dining destination. The first crop can be harvested 50-60 days after planting. 12-14 potatoes grow in the nest. It has beautiful rounded tubers of almost amber color, uniform yellow flesh. Stores well. The indisputable advantage of Colomba is its ideal presentation, high yield, resistance to adverse weather conditions.
Flamenco
Mid-season, vegetation period 110-120 days. The first tubers grow in 90 days. The potato has a beautiful pink color, the fruits are elongated oval. Tubers grow with an average weight of 140-150 g, under one bush up to 14 pieces. The eyes are set shallow. The advantages of Flamenco include high yield, resistance to drought and high temperatures, high resistance to disease. The disadvantages include low resistance to late blight of the tops, which requires preventive treatment with fungicides.
Arizona
Medium early potatoes. Ripening period 70-85 days. The size of the tubers is large. Bulbs are oval in shape with a light yellow skin and the same color flesh. Tastes good. Universal purpose. When grown, it gives about 90% of marketable large tubers. The advantage of this elite variety is that the tubers germinate at low temperatures, the yield is maintained even in bad weather conditions, and is resistant to mechanical damage. The disadvantage of Arizona is sensitivity to scab and late blight.
Elite varieties of domestic selection
Often domestic elite varieties are able to prove themselves no worse than imported ones. This is due to zoning and resistance to frequent weather changes in the middle lane. Especially high quality is worth highlighting
Alyona
Belong to super early selection. The growing season is 45-50 days. If the potatoes are harvested 45 days after germination, the yield reaches 15 t / ha. The tubers are large, the shape is close to an oval, the eyes are not deeply planted. The rind of the tubers is reddish, the flesh is uniform white. Suitable for industrial cultivation and providing the market with early potatoes. The advantages include resistance to bacterial diseases and mechanical damage.
Kamensky
Early has a dining appointment. Fruits are elongated, even outlines, have an attractive presentation. Tubers weighing 90-140 g The peel of the fruit is reddish, the pulp is light with a yellowish tinge. The starch content reaches 20%. The pluses include resistance to cancer and some bacterial diseases. The disadvantage is the rapid rotting of tubers at temperatures above 3 ° C
Gourmet
Middle ripening period. It differs radically from other varieties in the purple color of the peel and pulp. The shape is oval, elongated. Tubers weighing 90-120 g. Up to 15 fruits ripen under the bush.The peculiarity and advantage of the Gourmet is its taste, the ability to use it fresh. And also belonging to the dietary products with high levels of antioxidants. The disadvantages of the Gourmet include poor adaptation to low temperatures and demanding watering.
Irbit
Mid-season, universal. The tubers are large up to 200 g. The shape is round, the color of the peel is red, the middle is yellow. Forms on average up to 10 tubers in the nest. The yield reaches 55 t / ha. They note good keeping quality, as well as undemanding to growing conditions. Resistant to potato crayfish and nematodes. The variety is sensitive to scab and late blight of the tops.
Selection of potato seeds
Having chosen a variety, the question arises of how to choose the right planting material and where to buy it. You can buy high-quality seeds of elite tubers at exhibitions directly from producers, in nurseries, as well as in specialized garden centers, or save time and order seeds via the Internet and they will be sent by mail. Producers pack seeds for sale in bags from 25 kg to 1 ton, but in retail chains and from representatives of agricultural firms, you can buy smaller volumes starting from 1 kg.
When choosing seeds, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Producer, choose the seed of a positively proven agricultural firm.
- Appearance, the seeds should be healthy, free from defects, without damage from pests.
- Compliance with the description, color, shape.
- Size, seed potatoes should be medium in size.
Conclusion
The choice of elite seed potatoes at the moment is huge. And geneticists and agronomists do not stop working in this field. When starting to grow vegetables or doing it professionally, you need to remember and understand that high-quality elite potato seeds will guarantee a good harvest.