Belarusian potato varieties continue to be popular in their homeland, but also in other countries where this crop is grown for consumption. Russian potato growers are well aware of most varieties and their descriptions. They continue to be cultivated in different regions of the country, taking into account climatic conditions. This has been going on for decades.
Growing Potatoes
The development of varieties begins taking into account the climatic zone. It is known that there are 3 of them in Belarus.For Belarusians, potatoes are the second most important product after bread. Therefore, breeders are trying to breed as many species as possible that will produce a rich harvest.
It is difficult to determine the best potato varieties. This list may be different for each person, since farmers and gardeners have individual preferences. If a person intends to make dry powder from a vegetable, it is advisable to choose boiled tubers. Denser fruits are suitable for making chips. People who love grow potatoes in dacha conditions, early ripening varieties are chosen, while private property owners choose late ripening varieties.
Among the large number of varieties, those that have managed to prove themselves on the positive side are distinguished. The best potatoes, depending on the ripening period:
- early - Dolphin, Uladar, Lapis lazuli;
- mid-season - Dubrava, Krinitsa, Volat;
- late ones - Rogneda, Vesnyanka, Zarnitsa.
Each variety has unique characteristics based on its ripening time. Some gardeners are attracted by the taste, others prefer the size. There are also those who want to grow exclusively late or early potato varieties. Everything is individual, since the choice depends on the final result that a person wants to get.
Types of early maturation
In areas with a temperate climate, it is customary to cultivate early ripening varieties. Most of them are successfully grown in Ukraine and Russia.
Dolphin
The potato variety is characterized by an increased yield of tubers and early harvest. Ripe root crops have a good presentation. Vegetables are oblong in shape with light yellow flesh. One fruit contains no more than 15% starch. Potato weight: 85–140 g.
Characterized by a short harvest ripening period.Ripe fruits can be eaten 1.5 months after the first shoots appear. Most often it is affected by late blight of tubers, but is not susceptible to potato cancer. A strong immune system prevents the leaves from curling. Rarely, fruits can rot, but this happens in isolated cases.
Uladar
This variety is often chosen for cultivation by gardeners, as it does not require fastidious care. At the same time, it gives a high yield of root crops. The description of the variety includes the following characteristics: long-term storage of fruits, early ripening, resistance to drought, excellent taste. The fruit is covered with smooth dark skin. It has small eyes that are located on the surface and do not lie down.
Potatoes with creamy flesh are elastic to the touch. Changes color during heat treatment. When cooked, it does not disintegrate and retains its original shape. Starch level from 11 to 16%. Proper care of the crop allows you to get fruits weighing 165 g.
Lapis lazuli
Another early ripening potato with a characteristic potato taste. The fruits are smooth to the touch, round, the eyes are not very deep. The cut reveals white flesh covered with a yellow peel. Has average starch content. The weight of ripe fruits often reaches 120 g.
Lapis lazuli is a bright representative of super early potato varieties. Tuber formation occurs quickly, so the crop can be harvested 4–6 weeks after emergence. The immune system resists attack by a number of diseases that most often affect the nightshade family. The green part of the plant is affected by late blight.
Many early-ripening potato varieties have been developed in Belarus. Only the most popular ones are presented here. There are 124 species that are included in the state register. Local selection offers a choice of 44 types of potatoes.
Mid-season
In addition to the early ripening period, gardeners do not ignore potatoes belonging to mid-season varieties. The growing period takes no more than 100 days. The greatest demand is in Dubrava, Krinitsa and Volat. Each person chooses the appropriate option for himself.
Dubrava
Potatoes have a pleasant taste and have good keeping quality. The tuber size is average. The round fruits are covered with small eyes. Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians choose Dubrava because of its disease resistance and high yield.
Krinitsa
From 6 to 9 tubers are formed in one plant. Considering this fact, the variety is characterized by an average degree of productivity. Long-term storage of root crops is possible. With a round shape, the eyes do not stand out much. The only drawback of the culture is poor immunity to late blight.
Volat
Suitable for gardeners who expect to get a rich harvest per season. One bush can contain 15 fruits. When cooked, potatoes have a rich taste. In Belarusian selection it is characterized as a variety that has a lot of useful substances. Designed for transportation and long-term storage.
Late species
Belarusian potatoes, included in this category, have long ripening periods. From the moment of planting in the soil until the harvest is dug up, it takes from 115 to 135 days. The most popular varieties are Vesnyanka, Rogneda and Zarnitsa. They differ in taste and pulp structure.
Stonefly
Ripe fruits have a good presentation due to their even shape and smooth skin. Continues to remain in excellent condition over a long period of time. Light pleasant taste diversifies familiar dishes. In rare cases, signs of potato disease can be seen on the bushes.
Rogneda
At the time of development, the bush reaches enormous sizes; its strength can be determined by its stems and leaves. The pale yellow flesh is covered with a richly colored skin. Ripe fruits are oval. The variety can be dug up before ripening and used for cooking. Thanks to the thick skin, it continues to be stored for a long time.
Zarnitsa
Table potatoes are endowed with resistance to many types of diseases. Unfortunately, he often suffers from late blight. The oblong bulbs are covered with a thick red skin. The flesh inside is yellow. Recommended for consumption by people who prefer boiled varieties.
Starch levels can reach 18%. The bushes tolerate drought well. After planting, it grows on any soil. Reacts positively to mineral fertilizers.
Advantages of potato fruits
Professional agronomists and breeders claim that Belarusian root crops have a number of advantages. This makes them popular not only in their homeland, but also far beyond its borders. They differ from other varieties in many nuances, which makes Belarusian potatoes in demand among people planting this crop. Advantages of varieties:
- The country has acceptable soil and climatic conditions for favorable crop cultivation. In this case, the geographical location of Belarus plays a huge role.
- Experienced agronomists are ready to provide people with information on growing potatoes.
- Cultivation and processing of root crops has been carried out for many years. To do this, they use proven methods that give real results. Belarusians do not betray their traditions.
Ripe fruits are sent to all corners of the world for consumption and reproduction.The supply of vegetables has been established in the country. It is very comfortable. This approach allows products to be distributed throughout the world.
Variety selection
If a person chooses potatoes to plant on his plot of land, he should pay attention to important factors. To ensure that the ripe fruit does not disappoint after ripening, a person must find the variety that will satisfy his needs. The further cultivation of potatoes depends on a successful choice. The culinary type plays an important role:
- Category "A". The list includes species that have a salad purpose. As a rule, the fruits have a dense consistency and are not watery.
- Category "B". In Belarus, these potato varieties are specially bred for preparing first courses. They are not only added to soup, but also fried in a frying pan. The structure is dense and slightly boiled.
- Category "C". The quality of the planting material determines the harvest that a person will receive. Ready-made root vegetables of category “C” are excellent for making purees. The consistency is soft, so the potatoes become soft during cooking.
- Category "D". If potato varieties have a similar mark, this means that they are intended not only for mashed potatoes, but also for casseroles. The potatoes are not watery, have a pronounced mealiness and an average degree of boilability.
Each potato variety has unique characteristics. If a person is unable to decide on a choice for planting, another approach is possible. Breeders advise growing several types of varieties in one area. This will allow you to get a varied harvest that will be suitable for consumption before the start of the next season.
When choosing a variety, it is recommended to take into account the type of soil.Before planting, the soil is carefully prepared so that the crop does not need anything during its growth and development.
In order for potato growing to give a positive result, it is necessary to use a competent approach. Belarusian varieties make the task easier for farmers and gardeners. The material for sowing does not require regular updating. The advantage is that separate species have been bred for each region. A person is required to choose the one that is suitable for a certain climate zone.