Despite the fact that the potato was not originally loved by everyone, because it was used incorrectly, today it is one of the favorite products of many people. Since on its basis many not only tasty, but also healthy dishes are prepared. Consider one of the representatives of this variety, which was obtained as a result of the work of breeders.
Selection
The variety "Melody" was created in Holland. Today he has passed through the trials in many countries and is called upon to be an effective variety with a high perspective. It is proved that from the elite seeds that were purchased from well-known agrofirms after receiving the first harvest, the resulting material can be used for another 3 years.
Important! In order not to lose the varietal qualities and lead to the defeat of diseases, it is recommended every 4th year to change the landing site and plant a new planting material.
Botanical description
It is a mid-grade. In order to distinguish it from other representatives, it is important to know what differences it has.
Tubers
Oval-shaped tubers with a smooth yellow skin. The mass of one tuber varies from 100-175 g. 
The flesh is soft, during thermal processing quickly boiled soft. On average, up to 10 tubers are formed on one bush.
Bushes
Erect bushes. They grow large leaves of rich green color, which have a slightly wavy edge. Over time, the inflorescences appear red-purple.
Some features of the variety
Potatoes "Melody" - a productive variety. Due to its taste, as well as its presentation, trouble-free transportation and good storage, it has become popular among farmers.
Did you know? Marie Antoinette decorated potatoes with her hair. Louis XVI used them as boutonnieres. After that, flowers became popular among the aristocracy.
Disease resistance
It is known that potatoes of this variety are endowed with resistance to:
- pathotype I cancer;
- cyst-forming golden nematode;
- blackleg;
- late blight.
The main pest of the potato is the Colorado potato beetle. Find out what popular methods exist to combat the pest and how to destroy the beetle using insecticides "Commodore", "Prestige", "Corado", "Tanrek", "Confidor".
Precocity and yield
The variety "Melody" has a high yield level. On average, the index ranges from 200-300 centners per hectare. Harvest can be collected already 110 days after planting.
Stickiness
The grade "Melody" is in sales leaders. This is possible due to good appearance, high transportability and resistance to any damage. The level of marketability is 90%. Bulkiness is greater - 95%.
Landing rules
Much depends on the correctness of the landing. So as if to do it in the wrong time or plant unprepared tubers, as a result, the harvest can be disappointed. Consider what you need to know before planting this variety of potatoes.
Optimal timing
The most optimal landing period is the end of May. To obtain a full-fledged result, it is important that the soil be heated to a temperature of + 8 ° C at a depth of 11 cm. Only under such conditions, seedlings will start to grow quickly and plants will not be vulnerable to infections. The most optimal conditions are observed in May, and at the same time the right amount of moisture is still stored in the earth.
The harvest varieties include potatoes "Rocco", "Queen Anne", "Luck", "Cherry".
Choosing a place
The place should be bright and open. If the groundwater is close, then make high beds, and otherwise dig small trenches.
Good and bad predecessors
For high yield, it is important to observe crop rotation. Lupins, perennial and annual herbs, any winter crops, as well as flax and legumes are considered ideal precursors for potatoes. Bad predecessors include any plant of the nightshade.
You will probably be interested to know that after what to plant on the site, so that there is more harvest.
Soil preparation
The soil for good potato growth should be moderately acidic. To achieve this effect, it is recommended to add ash. In the fall, they dig up the earth, adding fertilizer. In the spring, after the snow melted, they again add dressing and slightly loosen.
Preparation of planting material
Before planting, it is important to carefully check the seed for damage and any signs of disease. Only flat and healthy tubers with a size of +/- 5 cm are selected for planting.
It is important to remember that active growth coincides with the peak of late blight disease. To avoid this, it is recommended to treat the tubers with special means.
Scheme and depth of landing
Landing is carried out according to the scheme 70 x 35 cm. The highest yield is achieved with the landing of 300 bushes per 50 m2. The depth of the wells is calculated depending on the type of land:
- Clayey earth - depth 7 cm.
- Sandy and light land - depth 10 cm.
Important! If the possibility of systematic watering is not available, experts recommend planting not divided tubers when planting. In case of shortage of planting material, the tubers are cut into large slices.
How to care
Caring for potatoes is no different from other plants. They also need watering, dressing, weeding and hilling.
You can get a good harvest of potatoes using Dutch cultivation technology, and by planting potatoes under straw there is no need to weed and spud it in the future.
Watering
Like other vegetables, potatoes need moisture. How much water is needed - can be calculated individually, based on the soil in which the root crop grows. If the season was rainy, then there is no strong need for additional moisture, and if there is little rain, then watering is necessary. This should be done throughout the growing season, a few days after the land has completely dried.
Top dressing
Variety "Melody" needs to follow the rules of tillage:
- Autumn digging with the addition of compost or humus at the rate of 5 kg per 1 m2. Also superficially make potash and phosphate fertilizers.
- In the spring they also dig up the earth, only fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate) are applied in double volume.
Weeding and loosening the soil
Potatoes of this variety, as well as other plants, need a systematic loosening of the land and getting rid of weeds. It is proved that with too many weeds, the number of tubers is significantly reduced.
Hilling
In order for the tubers to start in maximum quantities, and at the same time the plants are not burned by the heat, it is important to hilling in time. The first is carried out when the plants grow 10 cm, and the second after 2 months.
Read the rules of hilling potatoes.
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Preventive treatment
In order for the potatoes not to get phytophthora, the planting material must be carefully selected, after which the following measures should be taken:
- Treatment of seed with antifungal agents.
- Disinfection of land Bordeaux liquid.
- With the threat of infection, bushes are treated with Arcedil or a growth stimulator.
- Opponents of chemical drugs can use infusion of garlic or milk solution.
Did you know? In France, sell one of the types of expensive root. Potatoes "La Bonnotte" costs 500 euros per kilogram.
Harvesting and storage
Harvesting begins after the wilting of the tops and the appearance of a dense skin on the tubers. You can store for 8 months. Subject to the rules of storage during this time should not germinate sprouts. Characteristics of potatoes meet the requirements for mass sales with pre-washing and packaging.
We advise you to learn how to properly store potatoes in the cellar, in the apartment, in the basement, in the pit.
Advantages and disadvantages
Consider the positive and negative qualities of the potato "Melody".
Benefits:
- High level of starch, around 15%.
- Indicators of taste are high, they persist throughout the storage period.
- The grade is widely used for different dishes and processing.
- The amount of dry matter allows you to make a dry mash out of it.
- During heat treatment, the pulp does not darken.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for deep frying.
Knowing the differences that the Melody potato is endowed with, and how to grow it properly, you can get a good harvest in your own area and at the same time be sure that no chemicals were used to grow it.
