Every year in our country, the Rodrigo potato variety is becoming more and more popular. It is distinguished by the large size of root crops, mid-early ripening and excellent yield. The variety has a lot of advantages, while it has practically no drawbacks. Bright red potatoes, judging by the reviews, deserve only praise. Consider the features of this amazing variety and how to grow it.
Potato Rodrigo: variety description
Rodrigo is an early or precocious variety that was bred by German breeders. Its ripening period lasts 70-80 days, and thanks to the optimal size of tubers and a strong peel, the vegetable is able to be stored for a long time. Conditional maturity occurs much earlier than the technical one - the fruits of such a crop as Rodrigo potatoes reach their normal size, but their peel is still thin at that time. This means that tubers can already be consumed, and from them you can cook a large number of delicious dishes.
In addition, the variety can be characterized as follows:
- bush bushy and quite high, so that the soil under it is protected from drying out;
- leaves are bright green, medium size;
- potato ripening - about two months;
- the flowers are beautiful, red-violet;
- the tubers are bright pink with small, easily removable eyes, and the flesh is light yellow.
Characteristic
Such potatoes are characterized by elongated fruits, the sizes of which are rather large: some tubers are no less than a fist, and on average each weight is at least 200 g. By the way, some fruits can weigh 800 g, but usually under good weather conditions and proper care their weight reaches 500 g
In addition, the Rodrigo potato variety has the following qualities:
- high starch content - 15%;
- defective tubers when stored under normal conditions - not more than 5%;
- during transportation, the safety of potatoes reaches 90%;
- high resistance to various diseases - scab, nematode and cancer infections.
Advantages and disadvantages
It was found that Rodrigo potatoes have no flaws, this variety is constant in its quality characteristics.
The advantages of culture are as follows:
- high productivity;
- drought and heat resistance;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- universal purpose;
- large fruits of the correct form;
- undemanding to the soil;
- long storage;
- high percentage of marketability;
- resistance to many diseases;
- high taste.
Germination Features
The high-yielding cultivation of Rodrigo potatoes begins with its germination, which is carried out long before planting and lasts about a month. For this, planting material is laid out in boxes or special racks in several layers. The temperature in such a room should always be above 15 degrees, in addition, it should be aired from time to time and evenly illuminated.
A week before planting, potatoes are grown in boxes or baskets filled with a nutritious mixture. If affected specimens are found, then they are eliminated. Planting material is laid out in 3-4 layers and periodically watered, combining the procedure with disinfection with copper sulfate. In addition, they feed the tubers with potassium sulfate and superphosphate.
Landing rules
After germination, potatoes begin to be planted . The tuber is cut into several parts so that each contains 2-3 sprouts. This should be done with a sharp knife, which is previously disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate. Under no circumstances should the sprouts be damaged. This procedure is carried out a few days before planting, so that the places of cuts could dry out and become crusty.
After that, cut potatoes begin to be planted. The tuber is placed in holes that have a depth of 5 cm. Between future bushes should be at least 35 cm and between rows - 70 cm. It is best to plant along the cord stretched beforehand, since it is much easier to care for even beds. Typically, Rodrigo potatoes are planted in late April or early May, without waiting for the ground to warm up.
The site intended for potatoes should be fed in the fall and immediately before spring planting, using wood ash and humus. Each well is poured with 0.5 l of water and covered with earth, and a small layer of mulch is added on top. If the soil temperature has dropped below 10 degrees, then the holes are covered with a film. Potato ripening, as already mentioned, is 70-80 days.
Appointment
This kind of potato is considered universal in its application. It contains many useful substances - calcium, potassium, carotene, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, C. Carotene in the human body plays the role of an antioxidant. But saponin, which is a toxic substance, accumulates in potatoes in small quantities in sunlight, so it is recommended to store it in a dark place.
If the potato turned green from the light or began to sprout, it is better not to eat it, because there is nothing useful in it anymore.
Potatoes Rodrigo, like any other, favorably affects the digestive system, but do not use it in large quantities for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Potato juice helps with edema, it is also used as a bleaching agent in cosmetology. In addition, it helps to lower blood pressure and regulate cholesterol in the blood.
Raw potato juice, consumed in large quantities, can increase body temperature. Caution should be taken to eat potatoes to people who suffer from diabetes. Before use, they are advised to soak the tubers during the day to remove starch.
Potatoes should be cooked immediately after cleaning, because this way most vitamins are preserved.
Storage features, diseases and pests
This potato variety should be harvested immediately after ripening and in no case should it be overexposed in the ground. It is stored in a warm, dry place at a temperature of +3 degrees.
Potato variety Rodrigo is resistant to nematode, tuber cancer, late blight, scab. Pest control is carried out using spraying with special drugs. Special chemicals are used against Colorado beetles: Corado, Commander, Lightning, Apaches, Aktara, Regent, Prestige, Tanrek, Tabu.
Reviews
Since Rodrigo potatoes appeared in our country relatively recently, reviews about it are very important. Especially valuable is the information received from those who, without fear of risk and difficulties, introduce this novelty in their garden plots. Many gardeners and gardeners in their quest for a good harvest of this kind of potato have been growing it for several years and are well aware of all the pros and cons of the variety.
According to reviews, Rodrigo potatoes are not afraid of drought and high temperatures, and tubers should be dug up in mid-summer. The sizes of fruits are especially appreciated, since small specimens are not found among them. Potatoes of impressive size grow on each bush, some of which can reach a kilogram weight. Two such root vegetables will be enough to cook some kind of dish. There is also a high resistance of the Rodrigo variety to various diseases.
Conclusion
Thus, the high-yielding cultivation of Rodrigo potatoes in our country is gaining momentum. Its great taste has already been appreciated by many housewives. Gardeners consult with each other and share information regarding the features of caring for this crop, and leave feedback about it, which is very important, since little is known about this representative of the nightshade family. But the main thing is that this variety has already loudly declared itself.