Potato variety Mayak: characteristics and description, photos, reviews

Mayak potatoes are a table variety that has appeared on the market recently, but has already managed to gain popularity among experienced and novice gardeners. This is explained by its ability to easily adapt to any climatic conditions, stable yield and unpretentiousness. Also, many gardeners note its multi-tuberism and excellent taste. However, in order for the variety’s yield to be maximum, it is necessary to comply with the basic requirements of this type of crop.

The Mayak variety is resistant to degeneration

History of appearance

The Mayak potato was developed thanks to the efforts of employees of the Ural Agricultural Research Institute. It is unknown which varieties became the basis for it. When creating it, the goal was to obtain a species with high resistance to temperature changes and diseases, as well as a stable yield. And, judging by the declared characteristics of the variety, the creators succeeded.

Therefore, in 2009, an application was submitted to include Mayak potatoes in the State Register. Over the next four years, variety trials were carried out. Based on their results, the Lighthouse was officially registered in 2013.

Description of Mayak potato variety with photo

This potato has some differences in the appearance of the bushes and tubers from other types of crops. Therefore, knowing them, you can determine compliance with the variety without much difficulty.

Bush

Potato Mayak forms tall or medium bushes of intermediate type. The stems are strong and thickened. Initially they grow upright, and later deviate slightly to the sides. Each bush produces 4-5 shoots per season. The leaves of the Mayak are of a standard shape, medium size and dark green. The edges of the plates are slightly wavy. Basically, the shoots are densely leafy at the top, and their lower part is bare.

The Mayak's inflorescences are large. The buds are light lilac. The inner part of the corollas has a pronounced anthocyanin color. The duration of flowering of the variety is 14-16 days.

Berry production at Mayak is rare

Important! The bushes are able to withstand short-term frosts down to -1 ° C.

Tubers

Mayak potatoes are characterized by a well-developed root system. During the season, from 12 to 18 aligned tubers are formed under each bush. Their weight varies between 97-153 g. The tubers at Mayak are oval in shape with a rough surface. The peel is a uniform red color. The eyes are superficial, small, inconspicuous.

The flesh of this potato is white and of medium density. The starch content in it is 14.6-17.3%. The pulp does not darken when exposed to air.

The yield of marketable fruits for the variety is 88-91%

Characteristics of Mayak potatoes

The productivity of Mayak potatoes can be determined by their characteristics. This will allow you to get a complete picture of the variety and compare it with other types of crops.

Taste qualities of Mayak potatoes

The taste of Mayak is good. During the cooking process, the pulp practically does not boil down and has an appetizing appearance.

The variety is suitable for:

• boiling in its purified form and “uniform”;
• frying;
• baking;
• stuffing;
• salads;
• first and second courses.

Important! Mayak potatoes are not recommended for making mashed potatoes, as they come out with grains.

Ripening time

This variety is considered mid-early. The duration of its growing season is 75-85 days. Therefore, when planting in mid-May, harvesting can be carried out already in the first ten days of August. However, depending on the growing region, the timing may shift by 7-10 days.

Productivity

Mayak potatoes are characterized by stable yields even in unfavorable seasons for the crop. As a result of the variety tests, it was found that the productivity of the variety is 117−393 c/ha.

Where is it grown?

Mayak potatoes are recommended for cultivation in the Volga-Vyatka region. However, judging by the reviews of gardeners, it remains productive in the central regions of the country. The variety is not suitable for cultivation in the southern regions, as it is demanding on watering and does not tolerate dry air well.

Disease resistance

These potatoes are resistant to potato canker, golden nematode and wrinkled, banded mosaic. It also has relative immunity to common scab, rhizoctonia, and various rots. The tops and tubers of Mayak are moderately susceptible to late blight, so it is not recommended to delay harvesting.

Pros and cons of the variety

Advantages and disadvantages

This potato variety has many advantages, which is confirmed by reviews from gardeners. However, it also has certain disadvantages that need to be taken into account when choosing.

The lighthouse tolerates transportation well

Main advantages:

• stable yield;
• multituberism;
• fruit evenness;
• excellent presentation;
• good taste;
• versatility of use;
• high level of keeping quality;
• quick adaptation to any climatic conditions;
• resistance to temperature changes.

Flaws:

• susceptibility to late blight;
• not suitable for purees;
• requirement for watering.

Planting potatoes Mayak

To successfully grow Mayak potatoes from seeds, you need to plant them correctly. The rate of development of bushes and their productivity directly depend on this.

Three weeks before planting, it is recommended to bring seed potatoes indoors and scatter them in one layer. During this time, you need to maintain the temperature at +15 ° C, regularly spray the tubers and turn them.

For Mayak potatoes, you need to choose a sunny, open area, and it is important that it is well lit throughout the day. Two weeks before planting, you need to dig it up and add humus at the rate of 10 kg per 1 sq. m. m and carefully level the surface.

The soil must be loose, nutritious and have good moisture and breathability. Mayak potatoes can fully develop in sandy, loamy soils and chernozems. It is important that the acidity level is neutral. It is also possible to plant this variety in clay soil. But first you need to add additional sand to it at the rate of 10 kg per 1 sq. m. m.

It is recommended to make holes for Mayak potatoes at a distance of 35 cm, and maintain a distance of 60 cm between rows. The planting depth in light loose soil is 10 cm, and in heavy soil

Important! The optimal length of sprouts on tubers before planting is 1.5 cm.

Potato Mayak is undemanding to soil composition

Features of planting and growing

To grow the variety, choose well-lit areas with fertile soil. The soil should be breathable and loose. In compacted soil, the tubers will become deformed.

Potatoes grow well in slightly acidic or neutral soil. If the acidity of the soil is high, wood ash is added to it when digging.

Preparing for landing

For planting, healthy, smooth, uniform tubers of the same size are selected, without mechanical damage. 20-30 days before planting, the tubers are germinated by placing them in clean containers in two layers and placing the containers in a warm room.

Before germination, potatoes are kept in a solution of Fitosporin and a weak blue solution of copper sulfate to prevent the formation of fungal diseases during the growing season. Potatoes with formed sprouts are re-sorted before planting.

Attention! Tubers on which sprouts have not appeared are not suitable for planting.

When the length of the sprouts reaches 1-1.5 cm, planting in open ground begins. To stimulate growth, before planting, planting material is sprayed with a solution of Epin or Zircon (4 drops of the drug per 1 liter of water).

Soil requirements

The variety is grown on any type of soil, but the best results are achieved on well-prepared, fertile, loose soil. A good harvest can be obtained when grown in black soil and turf soil.

To form a large number of tubers, the variety requires soil with the necessary amount of nutrients. Therefore, organic matter and mineral fertilizers are added to the canopy when digging up the site.

Dates, scheme and rules of planting

Planting of prepared tubers begins at the end of May, after the soil has warmed up to +10°C to a depth of 12-15 cm. Planting dates vary in different areas depending on the onset of heat in the region.

For potato beds, choose a well-lit area. Three weeks before planting, the soil is dug up with the addition of urea and wood ash. When planting, it is useful to pour 100 g of compost into each hole.

Attention! Cow manure is not used during and after planting, as fresh organic matter will cause burns to young shoots.

The holes are placed at a distance of 28-30 cm from each other. A gap of 60-70 cm is left between the rows. The sprouted tubers are carefully placed to a depth of 8-10 cm so as not to damage the sprouts. Sprinkle with loose soil on top.

At first, when the temperature drops at night, the potato beds are covered with film if necessary.

Features of cultivation

To protect against wireworm invasion, potatoes are planted after cereals, legumes, annual grasses, and lupine.

When planting, wide row spacing (60-70 cm) is left for ease of agricultural work, for better lighting and aeration of the bushes.

Important! The depth of planting tubers depends on the composition of the soil. In turf soil and chernozem, tubers are planted to a depth of 6-7 cm, in light sandy loam soils - at 10-12 cm.

Before planting, be sure to check the depth of groundwater. The water level should be at least 75-80 cm from the soil surface.

The soil for planting potatoes begins to be prepared in the fall. All plant residues and weeds are carefully removed, the soil is dug deep, and organic matter and mineral fertilizers are simultaneously applied.

The main nuance in growing this variety is its need for good soil moisture. When watering, it should be taken into account that the need for moisture changes during the growing season.

Good results are obtained by mulching the beds . A layer of 6-7 cm will prevent weeds from growing and protect the soil from drying out.

Watering mode

Before emergence, the soil is not moistened, since watering during this period will lead to superficial growth of the root system.

The first watering is carried out when the young tops reach 6-7 cm in height. Water the seedlings with small portions of warm water under each bush. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the water does not wash the tubers onto the surface. About 2 liters of water are poured under each plant.

Before flowering, potatoes are watered depending on the dryness of the soil, on average - once every 8-9 days.

Reference. If the site has sandy soil, water more often, since such soil dries out faster than turf and black soil.

During the flowering period of the crop, plants require more moisture, since tubers form during this period. If there is a lack of moisture, there will be few tubers and they will not grow to the proper size.

During the formation of tubers, 9-10 liters of water are spent on each bush. Watering is carried out every three days in the morning or evening, preferably by sprinkling. After flowering ends, the volume of liquid is increased to 15 liters.

The last watering is carried out after the lower leaves begin to dry out.

Top dressing

When seedlings appear, the crop is fed with fertilizers containing nitrogen. To do this, use the following composition: 10 g of ammonium nitrate and 10 g of ammonium sulfate per 10 liters of water. Mineral fertilizers are supplemented with organic matter.

Attention! An excess of organic matter leads to the formation of voids in tubers, since the pulp does not have time to form after the active growth of tubers.

During the period of flowering and tuber formation, superphosphate is used in the amount of 30 g per 10 liters of water and potassium nitrate - 25 g per 10 liters of water. Alternate with ash fertilizers.

After flowering ends, the crop is fed with a solution containing 5 g of boric acid, which affects the quality of the fruit. Nitrogen fertilizing is stopped, as it causes rapid growth of tops to the detriment of tubers.

Weeding and hilling

Much attention is paid to clearing the beds of weeds. The weed grows faster than the crop and takes nutrition from the tubers. During weeding, the soil is simultaneously loosened to prevent crust formation and saturate the soil with oxygen.

When loosening, the bushes are hilled, creating a mound that holds the tops in an upright position and makes the bush less spreading.

Reference. It is advisable to resume hilling after watering and rain.

Disease and pest control

The lighthouse is resistant to golden cyst nematode, potato cancer, gray and white rot, common scab, wrinkled and banded mosaics.

The variety has average resistance to late blight. A sign of the disease is the appearance of dark spots on the tops. If left untreated, the disease spreads to the tubers, where the process of rotting begins.

To treat the disease in the initial stage, a solution consisting of potassium permanganate, copper sulfate and boric acid, taken 5 g each and dissolved in 10 liters of water, is used. The product is poured under the root. When the disease spreads, the crop is treated with the fungicides Oxyhom and Ridomil. The preparations are diluted at the rate of 15-20 ml per 10 liters of water and sprayed on the tops.

For prevention, planting material is treated in Fitosporin M.

Fusarium is a fungal disease of potatoes. The first signs of fusarium appear during the flowering period. The tops begin to turn yellow and wither, as fungal mycelium grows in the stems, preventing the movement of nutrients. Affected bushes do not form tubers. Treatment is carried out with the drug “Trichoderma Veride” at the rate of 50 ml per 10 liters of water.

Potato pulp is the wireworm's favorite food. To destroy the pest, green manure plants are planted between the rows. The soil is treated with the drug “Topaz”. A 2 ml ampoule of fungicide is dissolved in a bucket of water and the beds are watered.

The Colorado potato beetle destroys all the green mass of the bush. To combat it, the preparations “Commander” and “Iskra” are used: 1 ml of insecticide is dissolved in 5 liters of water and sprayed on the plants.

Difficulties in growing

Since Mayak potatoes are dug up in September, when the period of autumn rains begins, it is not recommended to water the plantings after flowering due to the risk of tubers being damaged by late blight.

The tops of the bushes are high, so they require periodic hilling.

The variety produces a sufficient number of tubers only on fertile soils, so much attention is paid to timely fertilizing.

Care instructions

Caring for this variety of crop requires compliance with standard rules of agricultural technology. Ten days after planting, it is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of 1.5 cm. This will allow air access to the tubers. In the future, loosening should be carried out after each watering or rain until the bushes close. You also need to do weeding regularly, removing growing weeds at an early stage of potato development.

The lighthouse does not tolerate drought well. Therefore, in the absence of rain for a long time, it is necessary to irrigate by wetting the soil to a depth of 10 cm.

To increase yield, Mayak potatoes need to be fertilized three times a season. Apply fertilizers for the first time during the period of shoot growth. At this time, it is recommended to use organic matter: chicken manure 1:15 and mullein 1:10. In their absence, it is possible to use ammonium nitrate at the rate of 30 g per 10 liters of water.

The second and third feedings are recommended before flowering and after flowering. During these periods, you need to use superphosphate 30 g and potassium sulfide 25 g per 10 liters of water. Starting from mid-June, it is not recommended to feed Mayak potatoes with nitrogen fertilizers, since they stimulate excessive growth of the above-ground part to the detriment of tuber ovary.

Important! Fertilizing should be done with moderate soil moisture.

It is necessary to hill Mayak potato bushes for the first time when the shoots are 15-18 cm high, and again ten days after that. The recommended height of the embankment is 2/3 of the total length of the shoots. The soil must be taken from the rows using a plow, hiller, or walk-behind tractor.

Diseases and pests

As mentioned earlier, the greatest danger for this variety is late blight.

Consequences of late blight

In this regard, before flowering begins, it is necessary to carry out two preventive treatments of the above-ground parts of the potato with the fungicidal drug Ridomil Gold.

The interval between two treatments should be 8-9 days. When the first signs of plant disease with late blight appear, you need to additionally spray two times with the above-mentioned drug.

To reduce the likelihood of late blight, it is important to adhere to the recommended crop rotation schemes with returning potatoes to their original place of cultivation no earlier than after 5 years.

Against soil pests (mole crickets, wireworms, false wireworms), poisoned Wofatox baits should be used and a crop rotation system should be followed.

But the most dangerous potato pest is still the Colorado potato beetle. Therefore, if there are more than 5 specimens on one bush, you need to immediately spray the plants with Metaphos, Karbofos or Bombardir insecticides.

When to harvest and how to store the crop

You can start harvesting Mayak potatoes when the shoots begin to sharply turn yellow and dry out. This sign indicates the maturation of the tubers and their readiness for long-term storage. It is recommended to dig potatoes in the morning in dry weather. After this, the crop should remain in the garden for two hours. And only then can it be moved indoors.

After four weeks, the harvested crop needs to be sorted and the tubers sorted into large, seed and small ones. It is also necessary to immediately discard damaged and cut specimens, since they will rot during storage. Mayak potatoes should be stored in winter in the basement at a temperature of +4 °C and air humidity of 70%.

If all conditions are met, the crop is stored until the new season.

How to store

When the right conditions are created, losses amount to only 4% of the total harvest. In the winter storage room, it is necessary to ensure a temperature of 2-6 degrees and a relative air humidity of 50-60%. Closer to spring, it is recommended to sort through the potatoes and remove spoiled tubers. “Mayak” lasts well in winter and retains its taste well.