Potato Melody

Dutch potato varieties are becoming more and more popular, because they quickly adapt to growing conditions, are quite hardy, and give high yields. Among the representatives of the Dutch selection, one can distinguish the medium-late potato variety Melody.

The Melodiya variety was created by a group of breeders from the Netherlands representing the C. MEIJER agricultural company. B. V. The nightshade crop has been approved for use since 2009. The variety is zoned in the Central Region. In addition, potatoes are massively grown in Ukraine and Moldova.

The Dutch potato is a medium-sized, upright bush of an intermediate type, characterized by strong stems, moderate thickening of bright green leaves with a slight waviness of the surface. Thanks to the developed root system, 7-11 large and leveled tubers ripen under each bush.

The plant blooms in June. During this short period, large reddish-purple flowers appear on the potato bush.

The variety belongs to the group of large-fruited potato varieties. The shape of the tubers is correct - oval with a smooth surface, on which a mesh pattern is visible. The color of the potato is uniform, light yellow, sometimes diluted with a pinkish tinge. Root peel of moderate density, covered with small, shallow-set eyes. On average, the mass of tubers varies from 96 to 179 grams. The characteristic features are the evenness of root crops and the absence of small, non-marketable specimens.

The harvested crop perfectly tolerates long-distance transportation, and also has a high keeping quality - up to 8 months, subject to the temperature and humidity level in the cellar or basement.

The taste of potatoes is beyond praise. The yellow-creamy pulp has a delicate, medium-dense structure without powdery and wateriness. After cleaning and heat treatment, the pulp does not darken, acquiring an oily taste and pleasant aroma. The composition of the potato pulp contains up to 17% starch, so the potatoes do not crumble during cooking.

Table tubers are endowed with a universal purpose - they are boiled whole, peeled and peeled, added to salads and vegetable mixtures, used in the preparation of first courses, baked, stewed. The only thing the variety is not suitable for is for frying. In addition, the variety is widely used in the production of food preparations.

Dutch potatoes are of the mid-late type. From planting tubers to harvesting, it can take 100-120 days (depending on the climatic characteristics of the region). Germination of sprouts and ripening of tubers are relatively amicable. The first digging can be done after 90 days (mid-August), but it is recommended to dig up all the potatoes in September.

This variety is declared as a high-yielding variety. On average, with intensive agricultural technology and favorable weather conditions, from 176 to 335 centners of root crops can be dug out per 1 hectare of plantations. The maximum yield was recorded at around 636 centners per hectare. A huge harvest is observed when 300 bushes are planted on an area of ​​50 m2.

In the central part of the country, potatoes are planted closer to mid-May, when there is no threat of recurrent spring frosts, and the temperature regime has stabilized at + 12 ... 15 degrees. The soil should warm up to + 7 ... 8 degrees. Tubers with a diameter of 3 to 7 cm with good sprouts 1.5-2 cm long are used as planting specimens. Flax, cereals, legumes, lupine (if the soil is sandy) are considered the best predecessors for nightshade crops. It is not recommended to plant potatoes where other nightshade crops grow. It is customary to take a scheme of 70x35 cm optimal for planting.

The agricultural technology of this potato variety includes: loosening, weeding, hilling, watering, fertilizing and preventing diseases.

Loosening is carried out in dry weather. This procedure helps the soil to breathe. By weeding the row spacings, weeds are removed, which draws strength and energy from the potato bushes. Weeding is done twice a season. Hilling - 2-3 times during the growing season. This is to protect the bushes from freezing and sudden temperature fluctuations. The best time for hilling is the time after a good rain. Watering is recommended only when the soil is completely dry, so that moisture does not stagnate.

The nightshade culture Melody has no special requirements for the composition and structure of the soil, the main thing is that it is well fluffed, breathable, moisture-permeable, nutritious and not acidic (average acidity). Loamy, sandy loam and fertile soils are suitable for growing the Dutch variety.

A potato that loves light, warmth, moderate moisture, and also easily tolerates a short drought, grow comfortably on a flat area where there is no stagnation of moisture. The site should be well lit by sunlight, and also protected from drafts.

Thanks to their high immune system, potatoes are resistant to most common viruses and diseases - potato cancer, blackleg, golden nematode, wrinkled and banded mosaics. The plant has an average resistance to the Y-virus. Dangerous for the bushes are the invasions of the Colorado potato beetle, which can be dealt with using chemical agents.