Irbitsky Potato: Description and characteristics of the variety, reviews

The Irbitsky potato is well suited for growing in home gardens. Readers can find a full description of the variety, photos, and reviews in this article. This potato variety was developed by breeders from the Ural Research Institute in 2009. The Irbitsky potato is listed in the Russian state register.

The Irbitsky potato variety was developed relatively recently, but in its short existence, it has gained a following among vegetable growers. The Irbitsky potato (see below for variety description, photos, and reviews) is highly productive and undemanding of environmental conditions.

Description of the variety

The plant is upright, medium-height, with large, dark green leaves. The margins are distinctly wavy. The inflorescence is large, spreading, and multi-flowered. The Irbitsky potato is a mid-early variety, with an average harvest time of 70 to 90 days from planting. The roots are round, with smooth, red skin and small eyes. Tubers weigh from 108 to 185 grams. The flesh is light yellow, with a starch content of 13 to 16.5%.

The Irbitsky variety produces high yields, with up to 400 centners (1,000 kilograms) per hectare. A single hole typically contains 8 to 10 tubers. This variety stores well, is resistant to major potato diseases, and is suitable for cultivation in central Russia and the Urals.

When to plant

The Irbitsky variety can be planted slightly later than other varieties, as the growing season lasts 70-90 days. Experts recommend planting this variety in mid-May. For an earlier harvest, Irbitsky potatoes can be planted in late April or early May. In either case, the soil should be warmed to 8°C (46°F) at a depth of 12 cm.

Seed preparation

Three weeks before planting, remove the seed potatoes from the cellars and sort them, leaving only healthy, firm tubers. The potatoes are stored in a warm, bright room at a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Humidity for sprouting should be at least 80%. Germinate the seeds by spreading them in one or two layers in perforated cardboard or wooden boxes.

If space is limited, place the tubers in transparent bags, slitting them beforehand. Hang the bags near a window and rotate them occasionally. After a few days, lower the temperature to 10-12 degrees Celsius. This technique promotes strong sprouts and prevents them from becoming leggy.

If the tubers sprout prematurely, the sprouts can be broken off. Do this carefully, without damaging the eyes.

Tubers ready for planting have sprouts measuring 1-1.5 cm. Large potatoes are cut into three or four pieces. This is done 7-10 days before planting to allow the protective layer to form. If it is necessary to cut the tubers before planting, treat them with "Maxim" or "Prestige."

Landing

Choose an open, sunny site with loose soil for planting potatoes. Place the tubers in holes or furrows 12 cm deep. When planting, you can add 0.5 liters of compost or a handful of wood ash to the hole. Space the tubers 35 cm apart, leaving 60-70 cm between rows. This distance ensures good light access to the plants, which is essential for a large harvest.

Care

The Irbitsky variety is low-maintenance and tolerates drought and rain well. However, potato plants still require weeding, loosening, and hilling.

The first hilling is done when the tops are approximately 10-15 cm tall. Soil is raked up from all sides, preferably after rain or watering. The second hilling is done two weeks later, before the tops close. The soil between rows is loosened to a depth of no more than 7-8 cm.

Once the potatoes bloom, feed them with the following nutrient solution: 10 liters of water, 2 tablespoons of superphosphate, and a cup of mullein. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and water the plants at a rate of half a liter per plant. This fertilizer promotes faster tuber formation. Fertilize only after watering or rain.

The "Irbitsky" potato variety tolerates drought well, but watering during such periods only contributes to a good harvest. This variety is watered after emergence, a second time when the plants are flowering, and a final time after flowering.

Diseases and pests

This variety is not affected by late blight, mosaic, leaf curl, phomosis, and golden nematode.

The following insects can damage potato crops:

1. Colorado potato beetle. The larvae and the insect itself feed on potato tops, and entire crops can be consumed in a matter of days. To control the Colorado potato beetle, use products such as Prestige, Batsikol, and Dendrobacillin.
2. Click beetle larvae. Commonly known as wireworms, they damage tubers by creating numerous tunnels. As a preventative measure, add "Pochin" (a few tablespoons of wood ash), or a teaspoon of dry mustard powder to the planting hole. In late fall, dig the area. In the spring, remove all weeds.
3. Potato moth. The moth itself is harmless, but the caterpillars that hatch from the egg mass can damage plants and root crops. When caterpillars appear, treat the plants with Cytocor or Iskra. As a preventative measure, hang pheromone traps near potato plantings.

Do not use chemicals two weeks before harvesting.

Reviews

Vladimir, 64 years old:

"I've been growing Irbit potatoes for over five years. Over those years, I've always had a harvest. In 2016, the summer was dry, and I only managed to water the potato plants twice during the season, but I still got a harvest. I usually dig up to eight large, pink, round tubers from each plant."

Valentina, 46 years old:

"We've been planting the Irbitsky potato variety for three years now. The plants are disease-free, and we pick the beetles by hand. We dig up the tubers on August 20th, let the harvest dry for a few days under a canopy, and then store them. The potatoes stay firm and fresh until spring. I often make mashed potatoes with this variety, bake them with fish, and stew them with vegetables and meat."

Andrey, 40 years old:

"I'd like to point out this variety's low maintenance. We have loamy soil, but we still get a harvest every summer. I add humus to the holes during planting, and fertilize a second time after flowering. I water the Irbitsky variety two or three times; the potatoes keep well in the cellar until June at a temperature of 2 degrees Celsius."