Potato "Krepysh": characteristics and growing process
Hot and dry summers are not uncommon for central Russia. For many summer residents, it causes a headache, both literally and figuratively. It takes a lot of effort to keep the crop under such weather conditions. Especially when it comes to potatoes, which in our country are usually planted in large quantities. For the Krepysh variety, high temperatures and drought are not a problem. It was created to facilitate the work of summer residents and gardeners. Detailed analysis in our material.
Short description
The variety "Krepysh" was bred by Russian farmers from the Lorch Institute of Potato Growing. The basis for selection was the type of potato "Shurminsky-2" and hybrid forms 2953-34. In 2005, the newest variety has already appeared on the market, and later, for its distinctive properties, it was included in the state agrarian register of Russia. Over the 13 years of its existence, the variety has gained popularity not only at home, but also among residents of the countries of the former Soviet Union.
A variety was created for cultivation in the central part of Russia, but eventually spread to many other regions rich in black soil.
Characteristic
The appearance of root crops practically does not differ from most varieties common in Russia. Unless experienced farmers will be able to determine the species by eye. The shape of the potato is oval, oblong. Rare eyes are located at an average depth. The smooth peel is yellow, and the flesh of the root crop is creamy.It contains about 15% starch.
The weight of one potato can reach 105 g. When ripe, the tops have an average height of no more than 60 cm. Lilac-red leaves with wavy edges are also of medium size, and the flowers are bright purple in color.
All summer residents unanimously praise "Krepysh" for its high taste qualities with any method of preparation.
Pros and cons
The variety "Fortress" boasts a solid list of advantages, thanks to which it has become so popular among summer residents and gardeners. As mentioned above, the strongest side of such potatoes is resistance to dry weather. So do not be afraid of the death of the crop due to lack of moisture. In addition, this fact greatly facilitates the work of gardeners, since potatoes do not require regular watering.
If you choose "Sturdy", you do not have to rack your brains with the choice of soil. In this regard, the variety is completely unpretentious, as it has good adaptive properties. However, for best results, choose soil that has previously grown flax, beans, crops, or just grass. Another of the main advantages of the variety is early ripening. You can harvest already 2 months after the first shoots appear.
With all this, the yield of "Krepysh" is quite high. Up to 15 root crops are formed on one tuber. About 50 tons of potatoes grow steadily on one hectare of land. Root crops have a very pleasant taste and do not lose it with any cooking methods. They can be fried in the traditional way, mashed potatoes, chips or french fries. In any case, the prepared dish will delight you. In addition, root crops do not darken and do not crumble during cooking.
Potatoes of this variety retain their firmness even after harvest. It can be stored in dark, cool places for several seasons. It is also easy to transport, making Krepysh a top seller in many grocery stores and vegetable markets.
Another significant plus is the high resistance to common diseases such as nematode, rhizoctoniosis, scab and potato cancer.
Most summer residents who know how to properly care for potatoes note that this variety has no drawbacks. Let the cons are not so obvious, but still they are. Despite its disease resistance, "Fortress" is extremely vulnerable to late blight. This is a fungal disease, popularly referred to as potato rot. The disease manifests itself on the leaves, then passes to the stems and tubers, destroying the entire bush. How to deal with this scourge, we will tell further. The second minus of the variety is the low content of starch in root crops.
How to plant and care
Landing is usually carried out in early May. The soil must be warm enough, otherwise the seeds in it will begin to rot. Despite the unpretentiousness of the variety, the choice of a place for planting should be approached with all responsibility. Set aside a site that is well lit by the sun. At the same time, moisture should not stagnate in the ground. As seeds for planting, root crops from the previous crop are suitable. Potatoes should be medium in size and have little sprouted eyes. Pay attention that the seeds are not damaged.
For the proper development of root crops, potatoes need space. The distance between the holes should be approximately 60 cm, and between the rows - 30-40 cm. The approximate depth of the holes is 10 cm. After planting, it is necessary to water the area with water.
Sometimes gardeners attribute the need for constant loosening to the disadvantages of a variety. The fact is that such potatoes develop correctly only at a depth of up to 17 cm. Due to the lack of loosening, the volume and quality of the crop may suffer.
The first procedure should be carried out 2 weeks after planting. And then do it regularly until flowering. If the soil is heavy, loosening should be done more often. And do not forget to get rid of weeds in a timely manner. To harvest a good harvest, at least 3 top dressings must be carried out during the growing period - 2 organic and 1 mineral. In the first case, humus and chicken droppings are suitable. Experienced gardeners do not recommend using fresh manure as a fertilizer. Because of it, the potato becomes watery and acquires a bitter aftertaste.
"Fortress" is not very picky about moisture, but in certain cases, watering can have a positive effect on the crop. This should be done during periods of budding and flowering.
Pour water strictly under the root, as moisture on the leaves can lead to the development of late blight.
How to treat
If you notice dark spots on the leaves of the haulm, urgent action must be taken before the disease spreads further. Treatment is carried out with the help of chemicals - fungicides. A solution is prepared from 60 g of the substance per 10 liters of water. Spraying must be carried out within 28 days, once a week. It is advisable to do this in the early morning in dry calm weather. It is better to burn the infected tops after harvesting.
Late blight is easier to prevent than to cure. Regular spraying should be carried out for prevention. The Colorado potato beetle is also a serious danger to potatoes. Chemical preparations can also help in the fight against it. The main thing is to carry out processing on time.
Reviews
Variety "Fortress" is quite easy to grow. Of course, beginners should study the reference material before embarking on landing. But judging by the many positive reviews, no one has serious problems. Few summer residents switch to other varieties, having once grown "Fortress". And the taste of root crops of this variety is estimated by public opinion at 4.7 out of 5 points.
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