Content
Mayak potatoes are a table variety that has appeared on the market recently, but has already managed to gain popularity among experienced and novice gardeners. This is explained by its ability to easily adapt to any climatic conditions, stable yield and unpretentiousness. Also, many gardeners note its multi-tuberism and excellent taste. However, in order for the variety’s yield to be maximum, it is necessary to comply with the basic requirements of this type of crop.
The Mayak variety is resistant to degeneration
History of appearance
The Mayak potato was developed thanks to the efforts of employees of the Ural Agricultural Research Institute. It is unknown which varieties became the basis for it. When creating it, the goal was to obtain a species with high resistance to temperature changes and diseases, as well as a stable yield. And, judging by the declared characteristics of the variety, the creators succeeded.
Therefore, in 2009, an application was submitted to include Mayak potatoes in the State Register. Over the next four years, variety trials were carried out. Based on their results, the Lighthouse was officially registered in 2013.
Description of Mayak potato variety with photo
This potato has some differences in the appearance of the bushes and tubers from other types of crops. Therefore, knowing them, you can determine compliance with the variety without much difficulty.
Bush
Potato Mayak forms tall or medium bushes of intermediate type. The stems are strong and thickened. Initially they grow upright, and later deviate slightly to the sides. Each bush produces 4-5 shoots per season. The leaves of Mayak are of a standard shape, medium size and dark green. The edges of the plates are slightly wavy. Basically, the shoots are densely leafy at the top, and their lower part is bare.
The Mayak's inflorescences are large. The buds are light lilac. The inner part of the corollas has a pronounced anthocyanin color. The duration of flowering of the variety is 14-16 days.
Berry production at Mayak is rare
Tubers
Mayak potatoes are characterized by a well-developed root system. During the season, from 12 to 18 aligned tubers are formed under each bush. Their weight varies between 97-153 g. The tubers at Mayak are oval in shape with a rough surface. The peel is a uniform red color. The eyes are superficial, small, inconspicuous.
The flesh of this potato is white and of medium density. The starch content in it is 14.6-17.3%. The pulp does not darken when exposed to air.
The yield of marketable fruits for the variety is 88-91%
Characteristics of Mayak potatoes
The productivity of Mayak potatoes can be determined by their characteristics.This will allow you to get a complete picture of the variety and compare it with other types of crops.
Taste qualities of Mayak potatoes
The taste of Mayak is good. During the cooking process, the pulp practically does not boil down and has an appetizing appearance.
The variety is suitable for:
- boiling in its purified form and “uniform”;
- frying;
- baking;
- stuffing;
- salads;
- first and second courses.
Ripening time
This variety is considered mid-early. The duration of its growing season is 75-85 days. Therefore, when planting in mid-May, harvesting can be carried out already in the first ten days of August. However, depending on the growing region, the timing may shift by 7-10 days.
Productivity
Mayak potatoes are characterized by stable yields even in unfavorable seasons for the crop. As a result of the variety tests, it was found that the productivity of the variety is 117−393 c/ha.
Where is it grown?
Mayak potatoes are recommended for cultivation in the Volga-Vyatka region. However, judging by the reviews of gardeners, it remains productive in the central regions of the country. The variety is not suitable for cultivation in the southern regions, as it is demanding on watering and does not tolerate dry air well.
Disease resistance
These potatoes are resistant to potato canker, golden nematode and wrinkled, banded mosaic. It also has relative immunity to common scab, rhizoctonia, and various rots. The tops and tubers of Mayak are moderately susceptible to late blight, so it is not recommended to delay harvesting.
Advantages and disadvantages
This potato variety has many advantages, which is confirmed by reviews from gardeners. However, it also has certain disadvantages that need to be taken into account when choosing.
The lighthouse tolerates transportation well
Main advantages:
- stable yield;
- multituberism;
- fruit evenness;
- excellent presentation;
- good taste;
- versatility of application;
- high level of keeping quality;
- quick adaptation to any climatic conditions;
- resistance to temperature changes.
Flaws:
- susceptibility to late blight;
- not suitable for purees;
- requirement for watering.
Planting potatoes Mayak
To successfully grow Mayak potatoes from seeds, you need to plant them correctly. The rate of development of bushes and their productivity directly depend on this.
Three weeks before planting, it is recommended to bring seed potatoes indoors and scatter them in one layer. During this time, you need to maintain the temperature at +15 ° C, regularly spray the tubers and turn them.
For Mayak potatoes, you need to choose a sunny, open area, and it is important that it is well lit throughout the day. Two weeks before planting, you need to dig it up and add humus at the rate of 10 kg per 1 sq. m. m and carefully level the surface.
The soil must be loose, nutritious and have good moisture and breathability. Mayak potatoes can fully develop in sandy, loamy soils and chernozems. It is important that the acidity level is neutral. It is also possible to plant this variety in clay soil. But first you need to add additional sand to it at the rate of 10 kg per 1 sq. m.
It is recommended to make holes for Mayak potatoes at a distance of 35 cm, and maintain a distance of 60 cm between rows. The planting depth in light loose soil is 10 cm, and in heavy soil
Potato Mayak is undemanding to soil composition
Care instructions
Caring for this variety of crop requires compliance with standard rules of agricultural technology. Ten days after planting, it is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of 1.5 cm. This will allow air access to the tubers. In the future, loosening should be carried out after each watering or rain until the bushes close. You also need to do weeding regularly, removing growing weeds at an early stage of potato development.
The lighthouse does not tolerate drought well. Therefore, in the absence of rain for a long time, it is necessary to irrigate by wetting the soil to a depth of 10 cm.
To increase yield, Mayak potatoes need to be fertilized three times a season. Apply fertilizers for the first time during the period of shoot growth. At this time, it is recommended to use organic matter: chicken manure 1:15 and mullein 1:10. In their absence, it is possible to use ammonium nitrate at the rate of 30 g per 10 liters of water.
The second and third feedings are recommended before flowering and after flowering. During these periods, you need to use superphosphate 30 g and potassium sulfide 25 g per 10 liters of water. Starting from mid-June, it is not recommended to feed Mayak potatoes with nitrogen fertilizers, since they stimulate excessive growth of the above-ground part to the detriment of tuber ovary.
It is necessary to hill Mayak potato bushes for the first time when the shoots are 15-18 cm high, and again ten days after that.The recommended height of the embankment is 2/3 of the total length of the shoots. The soil must be taken from the rows using a plow, hiller, or walk-behind tractor.
When to harvest and how to store the crop
You can start harvesting Mayak potatoes when the shoots begin to sharply turn yellow and dry out. This sign indicates the maturation of the tubers and their readiness for long-term storage. It is recommended to dig potatoes in the morning in dry weather. After this, the crop should remain in the garden for two hours. And only then can it be moved indoors.
After four weeks, the harvested crop needs to be sorted and the tubers sorted into large, seed and small ones. It is also necessary to immediately discard damaged and cut specimens, since they will rot during storage. Mayak potatoes should be stored in winter in the basement at a temperature of +4 °C and air humidity of 70%.
If all conditions are met, the crop is stored until the new season.
Conclusion
Mayak potatoes are among the new promising varieties that are suitable for growing in regions with difficult climatic conditions. It shows stable yields, is undemanding to growing conditions, and its cultivation does not cause difficulties. With standard care, this variety shows performance much higher than other types of crops.
Reviews from summer residents about Mayak potatoes
