Potatoes are a valuable food crop. Its history began as an ornamental shrub. He actively grew up a savage in America, from where he came to Europe in greenhouses and gardens as an exotic flower. The fact that the tubers can be eaten, people did not immediately guess, because potatoes, as a bright representative of the Solanaceae family, contain a poison - solanine. If grown and cooked improperly, this poison builds up in the body and causes poisoning. Over time, people have improved the technique of growing potatoes, and it has become one of the main foodstuffs all over the world.

Siberian bast shoe is a potato variety bred specifically for growing on a personal plot. There are no exact data on the appearance of this variety. It is conventionally believed that it appeared in the 50s of the XX century. Due to its characteristics, it won the respect of summer residents. The Russian bast potato appeared in the Siberian region, but does not belong to a specific research institute, therefore it is rightfully considered the leader and property of national selection. Scientists believe that this is a feral potato that has absorbed the qualities of several varieties.

Potato Lapot

Specifications

Potato Lapot is a medium early variety. A distinctive feature is excellent survival in regions with unsuitable growing conditions. It appeared on the territory of Siberia, gradually migrating to the Urals and the Far East, and gained particular popularity in Transbaikalia. Despite the long history of origin, it is in demand to this day. The bushes are quite compact, on average they grow about half a meter. The crown is very dense and spreading, the leaves are bright green. Potatoes bloom profusely, with bright white flowers. Fruits are very large, oblong flattened shape. Each bush grows at least 1 oversized tuber. The peel is soft pink with light peeling, the pulp is creamy. In terms of taste, potatoes are classified as universal varieties, any dishes turn out to be successful.

Variety characteristics

CharacteristicMaximum value
Yield500 c / ha
Weight of 1 fruit160 BC
Number of fruits on a branch8 pieces
Ripening period2.5 months
Bush height0.65 m
Preservation in winter0.94
Starchiness0.16

Agricultural technology of cultivation

Even the most unpretentious crops need minimal care and have their own growing characteristics, observing which you can get a rich harvest.

Description of the main conditions for growing Siberian bast shoes:

  1. Despite the ability of this variety to grow in any climatic zones, when choosing a site, it is worth focusing on more illuminated ones, since a well-heated soil is the key to successful germination of potato sprouts;
  2. This potato, like all others, does not like lowlands and swampy areas. The occurrence of groundwater should be at a level of 0.7 m. If it is impossible to find such a site, then it is better to plant potatoes in a ridge so that it is located higher above the ground;
  3. 5-6 weeks before planting, the tubers need to start germinating. At the beginning of April, planting material must be removed from storage sites, checked for rotten and diseased fruits. Germination is carried out at a temperature of +15 ˚C in a room without access to sunlight;
  4. On the day of planting, you can carry out preventive treatment of tubers with drugs that protect against pests. These include Prestige, Commander plus and others.The advantage of these preparations is that they also contain components that reduce stress after chemical treatment and accelerate plant growth;
  5. The planting time is very different, depending on the region, so it is worth focusing on the soil temperature and the absence of frost for a long time. If the soil has warmed up to +10 ˚C at a depth of 10 cm, then you can start planting;
  6. Soil preparation is no different from standard techniques. You need to proceed from the characteristics of the soil. It is better to start preparing depleted soils in the autumn period: dig up and add manure at the rate of 5-6 kg / m2. On acidified soils, you can do the processing with dolomite flour in the proportions indicated in the instructions. If the soil is very heavy, you can add sand and dig up the area. General requirements for soil quality - before planting, the soil must be thoroughly cleaned of weeds, roots, plant residues;
  7. Landing. Due to the increased size of tubers, the distance between the holes is increased to 0.4 m, and the row spacing to 0.8 m. The average planting depth is 10 cm, but, depending on the quality of the soil, this indicator fluctuates within ± 2 cm;
  8. Care. For all its unpretentiousness and adaptability, Lapot potatoes are very sensitive to the lack of proper watering at the time of budding and flowering. This is the most important period of plant development, so you should pay attention to the organization of watering. The best way would be an irrigation system, but you can also water the potatoes by hand, at the rate of 3 liters of water under 1 bush. The frequency of watering in a dry summer is 2 times a week, in a temperate climate - 1 time in 1.5 weeks. Preference should be given to watering in the morning, since evening watering does not guarantee moisture absorption and can lead to the development of fungal diseases;
  9. Complex feeding has a very beneficial effect on the development of tubers. Fertilizers containing nitrogen, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus are the best choice for this potato variety. Mineral dressing can be alternated with organic matter, keeping the frequency 1 time in 2 weeks;
  10. Pest control. Phytophthora poses a great threat to Lapot potatoes. He has no immunity against this disease, so preventive measures must be taken. First of all, this is the observance of crop rotation. It is best to plant potatoes after oats, it has a disinfectant effect, destroys fungal spores in the soil. Legumes and root vegetables are also well suited as precursors. You cannot plant potatoes after tomatoes, peppers and other nightshades. Regulation and adherence to irrigation time can save from late blight. Loosening helps improve air movement. Of the pests, the most dangerous is the wireworm. Preventive treatment by the Commander will help to avoid the appearance of this insect on the site;
  11. Harvesting and storing crops is no different from other varieties.

Potato Lapot blooms

Advantages and disadvantages

  
prosMinuses
Can be grown in almost any regionIt is impossible to purchase planting material in the nursery, since the variety does not have an ancestor
Extremely large fruitsVulnerable to wireworm
Good adaptation to abrupt climate changesHas no immunity against fungal diseases
High yield and quality of fruits
Preservation of fruit quality during transportation and long-term storage
Mechanical damage is rare

The enthusiastic reviews of summer residents confirm that Lapot potatoes are a simple and unpretentious plant that is guaranteed to bring a high-quality harvest. Its only drawback is that it is very difficult to find seed. It is not sold in stores, you need to look for potatoes among summer residents. Buying potatoes off hand does not guarantee high quality seed.