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Modern breeding offers a lot of varieties of potato varieties. Any novice agronomist for growing potatoes on his backyard prefers an unpretentious, but fruitful crop that does not require much time to care. This type can be safely attributed to the Vega potato, which is an early ripening crop that does not have specific features in terms of cultivation and care. Moreover, this variety is actively bred for sale, due to its long shelf life and excellent taste.
Breeding history of the variety
The homeland of the potato variety Vega is Holland, it was bred in the Netherlands. When breeding the variety, great attention was paid not only to its taste, but also to its attractive appearance, so that it meets all EU standards and norms. That is why the variety is very popular not only in the CIS countries, but also in a number of European countries. So, for example, the official representative of the variety in Germany today is Norika Nordring-Kartoffelzucht-Und Vermehhrungs-GMBH, and in Belarus - Scientific and Production Enterprise Nika. In 2013, the Vega species was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation and recommended for mass cultivation. The most favorable climate for its good yield is the central districts of the Russian Federation.
Description of the Vega variety
Descriptions of the potato variety Vega attracts many novice summer residents. This variety is completely unpretentious to the type of soil, tolerates frost and drought quite steadily. But its main advantage is its good yield.
The characteristics of the Vega potato bush are as follows:
- erect or semi-erect bush of medium height (within 50-60 cm) with bright green leaves of openwork shape;
- during the flowering period, rather large inflorescences of a creamy pink hue appear;
- the root system is relatively developed, in one bush up to 9-10 potatoes can ripen;
- the potato tuber is a regular oval shape, weighing 80-115 grams, the peel has an even yellowish tinge, there are few eyes, but they can be both superficial and deep, the color of the flesh is yellowish;
- the amount of starch in each potato varies between 10-15%;
- has a wonderful soft taste, suitable for baking, cooking, frying, freezing and other dishes;
- maturation occurs within 7-10 weeks;
- the most favorable region for growing is Central, but at the same time it is in demand not only in Russia, but also in Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus;
- the yield is at the highest level - 250-350 centners can be harvested from one hectare.
Seed potatoes Vega can be safely attributed to a medium-early table variety with excellent transport properties and a long shelf life. As a percentage, the shelf life reaches 99%. Compared to other potato crops: Gala - 90%, Lorkh - 96%, Riviera - 94%. This quality is very attractive for entrepreneurs. The implementation of this potato crop can be safely dealt with until mid-spring, without fear that it will lose its appearance. This cultural parameter attracts both owners of small household plots and larger agricultural companies.
On a note. Potato type Vega is not whimsical in care, it is resistant to spring frosts, drought, high temperatures, and a number of diseases.
Important! Vega potatoes are susceptible to the Colorado potato beetle, require moderate watering.
Comparative characteristics of the Vega variety
The Vega variety has a number of characteristics that distinguish it favorably in comparison with other varieties. One of its main advantages, in addition to taste, is good maturation, preservation of an attractive appearance when stored correctly until late spring. In comparison with other varieties, in percentage terms it is a kind of leader, having 99%. Lying of the Lady Claire variety is 95%, Innovator - 95%, Limonka - 90%.
At the same time, the mass of tubers in him is also quite significant and averages up to 120 grams, in comparison with Lady Claire - 100 grams, Lorkh - 100 grams, Limonka - 95 grams.
The yield per hectare inspires confidence and is about 380 c / ha, in comparison with the Red Lady variety - 340 c / ha, Asterix - 270 c / ha, Slavyanka - 330 c / ha, Queen Anna - 300 c / ha.
The ripening period of Vega attracts many, because under favorable conditions, the first potatoes can be tasted in 55-60 days. A number of other early varieties ripen much later. For example, Gala variety takes about 75-80 days, Imala - 70-75 days, Good luck - 60-70 days, Rosear 70-75 days.
Planting feature of the Vega variety
The potato variety Vega is not picky about care and requires adherence to standard planting procedures.
Like any potato, it is preferable to plant this variety in a well-lit area. The presence of a small shadow from near growing trees is not critical.
To increase the yield, it is recommended to fertilize the soil in a standard way. For this, in the fall, manure is scattered on the site, which is carefully dug up. Cultivation in this case is not required, it is carried out in the spring with the arrival of warmer days, before planting.
A couple of weeks before planting (usually in February), small tubers are selected without visible diseases, with a uniform yellowish tint, of the correct shape. Stacked in boxes (always with gaps between the boards to circulate air) in 2-3 layers, no more. The room should maintain a stable temperature - 15-17 degrees, average humidity. If the air in the room is very dry, the potato tubers are moistened with a small amount of water every 2-3 days. A week later, the first shoots (sprouts) should appear. Tubers with several keels of an even gray-white hue, about 1-1.5 cm long, a couple of mm thick, are considered suitable for planting.
You can buy ready-made tubers for planting, having previously visually inspected them for diseases and damage.
Attention! Tubers with weak, thin and damaged sprouts are not suitable for planting.
Planting Vega takes place in a standard way, in separate pits 25-30 cm wide and long, 8-10 cm deep. Previously, about 50-70 grams are placed on the bottom of the pit. humus, saltpeter or wood ash, which will contribute to higher yields.
Potatoes in the amount of 2-3 pieces are placed in the pit with their spiers up or on their side, carefully rolled in the form of a small slide. No need to tamp, so as not to damage the spindle.
The peculiarity of caring for the Vega variety
A feature in the process of caring for Vega potatoes is regular watering, hilling, and weed removal.
Hilling per season is carried out for 2 times: when the first green shoots appear (their height should reach a couple of cm) for the first time, the second time the height of the shoots should not exceed 15 cm.Hilling occurs in such a way that a small elevation is formed around the bush ... It is believed that in this way the tubers are enriched with oxygen. Weeds are removed mechanically (manually) as needed.
Despite the fact that Vega tolerates drought well enough, it needs moderate watering. In the summer, it is carried out 1-2 times a week; the use of drip irrigation is considered ideal.
Any potato crop attracts Colorado beetles. Vega is no exception.When the first shoots appear on the bushes, you can find the first Colorado. You can deal with them by manual assembly or the use of special preparations. For example, Gladiator * at an average price in Russia of 30-35 rubles. for 5 ampoules. The drug kills not only the Colorado potato beetle, but also its larvae, and also promotes faster growth of tubers. Consumption is 1 ampoule for 8-10 liters of water, depending on the number of beetles.
You can use folk methods. In this case, crushed wood ash is applied to each potato bush using a large sieve. The opinions of summer residents differ on the effectiveness of this method.
Vega potatoes can hit the wireworm; to combat it, superphosphate fertilizer is placed in the hole when planting, a couple of grams will be enough.
After the potato tops are completely dry, you can start digging them out. This is done in the standard way using a bayonet shovel (or pitchfork). You need to dig carefully so that the blade does not cut the potato, otherwise the shelf life of the damaged root crop is significantly reduced. Dug up potatoes should not be left in the sun for a long time. After assembly, it is allowed to dry in a cool dry place for several days. This significantly increases the shelf life.
Important! If the potatoes are in direct sunlight for a long time, they will acquire a greenish tint. It is strictly forbidden to eat such a product; it acquires a poisonous property.
This varietal type of potato, despite its relative youth, was bred at the beginning of the 21st century, and managed to be loved by many. One of its main features is a good yield and an interesting taste characteristic of this particular species. Vega is very popular in different regions of the country.
* The price is valid as of May 31, 2018.