Characteristics of the root crop
Zhuravinka is a high-yielding Belarusian mid-late table variety with large tubers. The ripening period is 100-120 days. In 2005, Zhurivinka was included in the register of agricultural crops of Russia.
The potato skin is slightly rough, of medium thickness, and colored in a pronounced red color. The pulp is light yellow. A mesh pattern with low relief is visible on the surface, but in small fruits the pattern is practically invisible. The soil easily moves away from the fruit, which simplifies harvesting, increases shelf life and creates a good appearance.
Small eyes on the surface of the root crop are evenly spaced, have a spherical shape, and are reddish-violet in color at the base. The top is shallow and closed, with a slight hairiness on the surface.
The fruits are egg-shaped (round) or oval, 70-100 mm long. Each nest contains 14-18 potatoes, the maximum number reaches 25 pieces. The weight of the marketable fruit is in the range of 90-160 g. The yield ranges from 178 to 242 c/ha (75 kg/10 sq. m.), which is above average compared to other industrial varieties. Potato marketability is about 90%.
During growth, erect, low, intermediate-type plants are formed. The stem is medium thick, slightly colored with anthocyanin, there are up to six stems on the bush. Small leaves of rich green color with a wavy leaf blade. The inflorescence is medium-sized, small-flowered. The corolla is reddish with purple. The tops grow quite intensively, the shoots are uniform. In terms of tuber formation and the intensity of tuber growth, the variety is classified as average.
The Zhuravinka variety has high taste qualities. Used for the production of starch, chips, crispy potatoes and fries (seasoned with food additives). Ideal for preparing potato pancakes and zraz. When cooked, the fruits are well-cooked, the flesh does not darken, and large grains do not form. Contains 14-19.5% starch.
A positive feature is the significant dormant period of potatoes. Under optimal conditions, it is well stored until summer (keeping quality is 96%).
History of the variety's creation
This potato was created in collaboration between breeders from Belarus and farmers from Russia - from the Niva farm at the beginning of this century. Zhuravinka potatoes were included in the Russian State Register in 2005. The patent was registered at the Republican Unitary Enterprise Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for potato and horticulture.
This potato variety is recommended for cultivation throughout almost the entire territory of Russia - in the Volga-Vyatka, North-Western, Central and Central Black Earth regions.
Description of Belarusian potatoes Zhuravinka - video
Landing dates
The quality and quantity of the harvest depends on the time of planting. It is important to monitor the lunar phases, and most importantly, the average daily soil temperature.
If you rush, the tubers will germinate very slowly, and during night frosts (which often happens in early spring in the northern regions of the country), they may die completely. Overexposure to potatoes is no less dangerous; if the soil moisture decreases greatly with the approach of summer heat, the quality of the vegetable’s development will drop significantly.
According to experts, planting potatoes 14 days earlier (later) than the optimal date reduces the yield by 15-20%.
The best conditions for planting the Zhuravinka variety are when the soil warms up to +6...+8 degrees. Doing this at a lower temperature is pointless. In a cold environment, the tubers will simply lie there, and perhaps even begin to rot.
Please note that the indicated temperature is the minimum permissible, the calculation is made for rapid spring warming, and it is achieved at an average daily air temperature of about 15 degrees. And while the soil settles and the roots begin to grow, the average daily indicators will reach the optimal temperature. In the northern regions, you should wait until the soil warms up to +10...+12 degrees.
Soil preparation
The composition of the soil directly affects potato yield. The most suitable soil for the Zhuravinka variety will be light sandy loam, peat soil and, of course, black soil. If you have a clayey area with high acidity, add wood ash or compost with sand to it before planting.
Before spring planting, loosen the soil. It is advisable to do this in dry weather. Loosening is carried out to a depth of 12-15 cm. For sandy and sandy loam soils, once is enough, and for clay soils, loosening should be done twice.
Take some wet soil and try to shape it into a cord. Depending on how well this happens, you can determine the composition of the soil:
- sandy loam - a lump is molded, which crumbles when pulled out;
- clayey - rolled into a cord-like strip.
Potatoes should be planted from north to south (northwest to southeast). This scheme will provide illumination of the bushes throughout the day, and shading in the rows will protect against excessive overheating at noon.
The purpose of spring and autumn plowing of the site is to create a well-ventilated layer of soil in which the required amount of moisture will collect and remain. This preparation is extremely important, because no amount of fertilizing or watering can compensate for the lack of oxygen in the over-compacted layer. Also, thanks to plowing, the roots and seeds of weeds are destroyed, and the applied fertilizers are embedded to the required depth. When digging by hand, you should destroy the larvae of the cockchafer and wireworm, and remove the roots of the weeds.
Due to common pests and diseases, it is not recommended to plant Zhuravinka potatoes in an area where other nightshades (tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums) grew last year. A good predecessor would be beets, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, carrots or beans. Experts recommend maintaining crop rotation for 3-4 years.
Fertilizer
One of the most important agricultural practices when growing potatoes is the application of fertilizers, especially in one area without crop rotation. After all, in 3-4 years the soil is depleted, and a meager harvest indicates the need to add nutrients:
- The most accessible fertilizer for residents who use stove heating will be ash. It is rich in phosphorus, potassium, calcium and a number of other useful microelements. Per 100 sq. m contribute about 7 kg.
- Garden fertilizers sold in bags (superphosphate, potassium-magnesium). Apply during spring (pre-planting) plowing to a depth of 12-13 cm. It is extremely important to observe the concentration indicated on the package.
- Compost and rotted manure are among the best nitrogen fertilizers. A well-proven scheme is when 2/3 of the fertilizing is applied during planting, and the remaining 1/3 before the second hilling.
The Zhuravinka potato reacts extremely negatively to the application of fresh (not stored) manure. The fruits may become watery and lose their taste. There is also a risk of infection with late blight and scab.
Approximate rates of fertilizer application per 100 square meters. m:
- Fertile soils. 1.5-2 kg of ammonium nitrate, about 2.5 kg of nitrogen fertilizers, 3.5 kg of phosphorus, 2 kg of potassium and 2 quintals of manure (compost).
- Average fertility. 2.5-3 quintals of manure, 3 kg of nitrogen, 4 kg of phosphorus, 2.5 kg of potassium fertilizers.
- If there is a general lack of organic matter during planting, add a mixture consisting of a hundredweight of humus mixed with 1 kg of ammonium nitrate and 3 kg of superphosphate.
- An increase in yield on any soil will be achieved by adding 5-10 kg of the wood ash already described.
Moderate application of mineral and organic fertilizers has a positive effect on growth. It is not advisable to exceed the standard dose of nitrogen fertilizing. The crane does not tolerate excess moisture, especially during the growing season. Reacts poorly to prolonged soil moisture deficiency.
Hilling up bushes
When growing potatoes, you should remember that their roots grow in the upper layers of the soil. The roots grow wider than deep. In hilled bushes, the roots in light soil occupy the largest area between the rows. Smooth, neat potatoes appear under the roots.
In heavy soil, potato roots grow downward. The tubers turn out uneven, with many growths, and small in size.
On heavy soils, hilling is mandatory. In areas where it rains frequently, it is better to plant in ridges, as they warm up faster, are saturated with oxygen and protect the potatoes from waterlogging.
With the help of holes and grooves it is easier to use rainwater, and also easier to hill up.
When hilling, it is important to understand in which climate zone the potatoes are grown. In the northern territories, the plant is hilled 5-7 times per season, while in the southern territories 1-2 hillings are enough to grow a similar crop.
The description of the Zhuravinka potato variety and farmers' reviews of it provide recommendations for hilling after watering has been done or it has rained.
It is important to carry out this work also during the formation of buds. At this time, it is important to hill up and move the stems in different directions. This will provide the plant with an influx of sunlight.
After hilling, the bushes should be fed and the rows should be mulched.
Pest Control
If there are other potato varieties on the site, the Colorado potato beetle is indifferent to the Zhuravinka variety. The crane is characterized by resistance to the golden cyst nematode.
Colorado potato beetle . The presence can be determined by visual inspection of the bush. Young and adult individuals, eating leaves, damage them, as a result of which (due to impaired photosynthesis) the potato does not receive a sufficient amount of necessary substances.
Methods of control and prevention:
- manual collection of larvae and adult beetles;
- the use of chemical and biological drugs (Bitoxibacillin, Tsimbush, Dilor, etc.);
- spray with a suspension: dilute 4 g of wormwood juice in 100 g of water (this is a tincture that is harmless to humans and can be used even before harvesting).
The use of pesticides is carried out no later than 28 days before harvesting potatoes.
Medvedka . The presence of this pest can be determined by its characteristic burrows. Prevention methods:
- when planting potatoes, place coniferous branches, the smell of which repels the mole cricket;
- a soap solution (1 piece of laundry soap dissolved in 50 liters of water) is poured into the holes;
- systematic loosening of 5-6 cm of soil.
Potato nematode . Yellowed leaves of a vegetable indicate the presence of this pest. It cannot be treated. To destroy the spread, dig up the bush along with a lump of earth and burn it.
Wireworm . Often, this pest does not cause widespread damage. However, affected fruits rot and damaged stems may turn black. For destruction, pesticides of general influence are used (for example, Anometrine).
Disease Control
Potato variety Zhuravinka demonstrates resistance to potato canker (pathotype I), blackleg, common scab and viruses X, S, M. The variety's resistance to diseases such as rhizoctonia, late blight of foliage and root crops, viruses Y and L is average.
Late blight. Identified by dark spots on the leaves. From below they acquire a yellowish coating. In the fight against this disease, the most effective method has proven to be spraying bushes with a solution of copper sulfate (15 g per 12 liters of water) and Bordeaux mixture.
Common scab. A peculiar fungus that directly covers the fruit. Attacks tuber buds. It can only be discovered by digging up the potatoes. In case of active progression of the disease, the area should be sprayed with the toxic chemical TMTD (5 g of product per 10 liters of water).
Fungal diseases, as a rule, do not have a significant negative effect on potatoes. Most of them can be prevented by following proper planting and careful harvesting of vegetables.
How to store Zhuravinka potatoes?
Growing an excellent harvest is not easy, but it is also important to preserve it without loss, and this is a whole science. Success depends on many factors:
- temperature regime;
- humidity;
- presence of damage to fruits;
- keeping quality of the variety.
Therefore, all tubers that you are going to store must be:
- whole;
- dry;
- mature;
- healthy;
- without the presence of sprouts;
- clean.
The entire storage period for potatoes consists of several conventional stages:
- Medicinal. Provides for drying, ripening, healing. After digging, the potatoes are left in bulk for 1.5-2 hours to dry. Then move the harvest under a canopy, where it will lie for about 14 days. At this time, the potatoes “breathe”, releasing moisture and heat, which contributes to the formation of dry skin on the damage. This process will protect the fruits from harmful microorganisms.
- Cooling. Provides for a gradual decrease in the temperature of the tubers to +2…+4 degrees. It is highly advisable to do this gradually. When the specified temperature is reached, biological and physiological processes freeze inside the fruit.
From the moment of digging until storing potatoes, you must not wet or wash them. It should be protected from contact with dew or rain.
- Basic. Includes compliance with recommendations for direct storage of potatoes: The fruits must be kept in complete darkness, otherwise they will become unsuitable for consumption.
- The best storage temperature for the Zhuravinka variety is within +2…+4 degrees. At a higher level, the tubers germinate; at a lower level, they deteriorate. You can lower the temperature in the basement by opening the vents. If storing Crane in a pantry drawer, use plastic bottles filled with ice.
- Humidity in the room should be between 85-90%. If the air is more humid, it will cause sprouts to form or cause rot. In dry storage conditions, potatoes will lose water and become soft and flabby.
You can store Zhuravinka potatoes in several ways:
- In bulk in the basement (cellar). It is advisable to resort to this method with a small amount of potatoes, because just a couple of spots of rot will be enough to destroy the entire harvest.
- In containers. An ideal way for farmers who are going to sell their crops. Such special containers are designed for 0.5 tons of potatoes, have holes for ventilation and can be located in several rows in height.
- Quite often they resort to storage in bags made of natural materials. This method allows you to store potatoes in several rows, and is also convenient due to the fact that the vegetables are divided into small portions - this does not interfere with air exchange.
- For small storage volumes, storage in boxes is most suitable. It is better to use coniferous wood, as they prevent the development of fungi and harmful bacteria. Due to convenience, plastic containers are also used.
Plants that secrete phytoncides (fresh rowan leaves, pine or spruce branches) will help preserve potatoes longer.
Storage tips
Early Zhuravinka potatoes, the description of the variety and care for which were discussed in this article, have a high shelf life, thanks to which the root crops retain their taste throughout the winter. But here it is important to create a suitable microclimate in which the crop will be stored. It is worth noting that potatoes that were dug up on the 100-130th day after planting are best stored. This vegetable has a thicker peel and contains more tannins, so it will last much longer.
Seed potatoes should be placed in wooden boxes so that they can sprout over the winter. Root vegetables that will be used for cooking can be placed in bags. Then the crop is sent for storage in a cellar or basement, where it is recommended to maintain the air temperature between 3 and 7 degrees Celsius. Under these conditions, the potatoes will be able to last until spring.
Reviews
★★★★★
Vasilisa, 48 years old. The whole family loves Crane.
Children say that these are potatoes for the lazy - mashed potatoes are prepared very quickly. This variety is easy to plant and care for and can be stored for a long time without problems. ★★★★★
Irina, 29 years old. Zhuravinka has an excellent taste.
Potatoes are easy to care for. When they first started planting, the yield was high, but then for some reason it dropped sharply. ★★★★★
Alexander, 36 years old. I never really planted potatoes, but I took 10 Zhuravinkas for testing.
I collected as many as 4 buckets of large, good potatoes. And Zhuravinka’s taste is delicious. I'll definitely plant it again next year. Hide
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Zhuravinka potatoes, due to their unpretentiousness and high taste, are gaining popularity every year. Growing this variety is not difficult, the main thing is to adhere to optimal watering and other care requirements, and a high yield is guaranteed.
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general information
The bushes of this variety are small in height and grow straight. During flowering, purple flowers with a reddish tint appear on them. The number of stems in one bush is on average five. The root vegetables are small in size, oval or round in shape, reddish skin and fleshy cream-colored pulp. One bush contains about 17 potatoes, so it is not recommended to make holes very close to each other.
Zhuravinka potatoes (variety description and characteristics will be discussed a little later) have excellent taste qualities that last a long time after harvest. The starch content of the root vegetable is approximately 20 percent. That is why this variety is widely used in cooking for preparing a large number of dishes, including chips.
