Unpretentious, mid-late variety of Nikulinsky potatoes

Potatoes are a regular guest on every table, highly valued for their nutritional qualities. Rich in vitamins and microelements, this root vegetable is an indispensable part of the diet of Russians. The abundance of varieties that exist today provides a choice of root crops for every gastronomic taste.

The real pearl of domestic potato farms is the Nikulinsky variety bred in the early 90s. In the article you will find a description, characteristics, photos and detailed rules for caring for this crop.

Description of the variety

Let us consider in detail the characteristics, properties and composition of this variety.

Origin and development

The Nikulinsky potato variety was bred by the staff of the State Scientific Research Institute of Potato Farming named after V.I. A.G. Lorkha on the basis of Mavka and Peresvet varieties widely known in agriculture. The variety was entered in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 1996.

Chemical composition, trace elements and vitamins

Due to its composition, Nikulinsky potatoes are considered the most valuable source of vitamins and minerals for the human body.

Every 100 g of raw tubers contains the following trace elements:

• iron 0.9 mg;
• zinc 0.36 mg;
• aluminum 860 mcg;
• rubidium 500 mcg;
• vanadium 149 mcg;
• copper 140 mcg;
• boron 115 mcg;
• lithium 77 mcg;
• fluorine 30 μg;
• chromium 10 mcg;
• molybdenum 8 mcg;
• nickel 5μg;
• iodine 5 mcg;
• cobalt 5 mcg;
• selenium 0.3 mcg;
• manganese 0.17 mcg.

In addition to a rich set of trace elements, 100 g of potatoes contain such macronutrients as:

• potassium 568 mg;
• phosphorus 58 mg;
• chlorine 58 mg;
• sulfur 32 mg;
• magnesium 23 mg;
• calcium 10 mg;
• sodium 5 mg.

Vitamin content in 100 g of raw tubers:

• vitamin C 20 mg;
• niacin equivalent (vitamin PP) 1.8 mg;
• vitamin PP 1.3 mg;
• riboflavin (B2) 0.7 mg;
• pantothenic acid (B5) 0.3 mg;
• pyridoxine (B6) 0.3 mg;
• thiamine (B1) 0.13 mg;
• vitamin E (TE) 0.1 mg;
• beta-carotene 0.02 mg;
• folic acid (B9) 8 μg;
• vitamin A (RE) 3 μg;
• biotin (vitamin H) 0.1 μg.

Nutritional value of Nikulinsky potatoes:

• water 78.6 g;
• carbohydrates 16.3 g;
• starch ((C6H10O5) n) more than 15 g (12-21% by weight);
• proteins 2 g;
• dietary fiber 1.4 g;
• disaccharides and monosaccharides 1.3 g;
• ash 1.1 g;
• fats 0.4 g;
• organic acids 0.2 g;
• saturated fatty acids 0.1 g

The high starch content allows the tubers to be used for industrial production of this substance.

Ripening period

Despite the early formation of tubers, Nikulinsky is classified as a medium late potato variety. Its ripening period is about 120 days (4 months)

Yield

The State Register classifies the variety as high yielding. Subject to the basic rules of planting and leaving from 10 sq. m you can collect up to 50 kg of root crops. According to the originator, the variety is capable of producing from 170 to 295 kg of yield when harvested per hectare.

A record amount of potatoes, amounting to 410 kg per hectare, was collected by farmers from the Ivanovo region.

Disease resistance

The variety is distinguished by a high degree of resistance to diseases inherent in the culture, such as:

• black spot (alternaria);
• late blight;
• cancer potatoes;
• Y virus (PVY).

Shows an average degree of resistance to:

• black scab (rhizoctoniasis);
• common scab.

All of the above characteristics make the Nikulinsky variety attractive both for cultivation in a private economy and for cultivation for industrial purposes. However, the variety is susceptible to nematode infestation and is often attacked by the Colorado potato beetle, which must be borne in mind during the cultivation process.

Characteristics of tubers, description of appearance

The weight of one tuber varies between 70-140 g. Root crops are oval. The snow-white pulp is covered with a yellowish peel with a mesh pattern. Does not darken on air after cleaning. The eyes are small and almost colorless. Light sprouts are purple at the base. The starch content is high, up to 22%.

Tall bushes - up to 80 cm. Stems are erect, with many lateral branches and leaves. The foliage is dark green, of a characteristic elongated shape with jagged edges. The flowers that form into corollas are painted in a reddish-purple hue.

For which regions is it recommended

Nikulinsky potatoes are quite unpretentious to climatic conditions. Nevertheless, the maximum yield from the crop can be achieved when it is planted on fertile soils. At the same time, weather conditions practically do not affect the stability of the yield of the variety.

According to the State Register, the variety is recommended for cultivation in the following regions of the country:

• Northwestern;
• Central;
• Volgo-Vyatsky;
• Middle Volga;
• Uralsky.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The main advantages of the variety:

• unpretentious care;
• the ability to successfully grow on almost any type of soil;
• resistance to dangerous diseases;
• resistance to adverse climatic conditions;
• high productivity;
• excellent keeping quality.

Among the disadvantages are most often noted:

• has no genetic protection against pests;
• average (according to some potato connoisseurs) taste.

What is the difference from other varieties

The main difference between Nikulinsky and other popular varieties is its complex resistance to most common potato diseases. In addition, the variety is unpretentious in relation to agrotechnical and climatic growing conditions, which makes it suitable for cultivation in almost all regions of the country.

Nevertheless, when choosing Nikulinsky as a planting material, it is necessary to take into account its relatively long growing season compared to other popular varieties.

Features of planting and growing

Successful cultivation of a variety implies strict adherence to planting dates, taking into account specific climatic conditions. The correct choice and preparation of planting material is of great importance for obtaining a healthy and plentiful harvest of Nikulinsky.

Preparing for landing

The optimum diameter of the planting material is 7-10 cm. The tubers should be even, not have mechanical damage, as well as signs of freezing and damage by any diseases.

It is recommended to pre-treat the planting material with growth stimulants and specialized prophylactic agents.

Ground requirements

For growing crops, the ideal option is sandy loam soil, characterized by a sufficient degree of fertility and capable of providing high-quality aeration and drainage to root crops. Nutritious black soil is also perfect.

Important! You should not choose an area for planting potatoes where other nightshade crops have previously grown, since a newly planted plant can inherit common diseases from them.But the soil recently freed from legumes and cereals will do just fine.

Timing, scheme and landing rules

Nikulinsky is classified as a frost-resistant variety, however, it is recommended to plant it when the frost stops and the average daily temperature rises above 15 ° C. The exact planting time depends on the region and the actual climatic conditions.

So, the optimal time for sowing potatoes in Siberia and the Urals is the middle and end of May, while residents of the middle lane can afford to plant prepared tubers at the end of April.

The planting depth of Nikulinsky potatoes ranges from 5 to 10 cm, depending on the quality of the planting material and regional characteristics of soils and climate. The recommended height of the ridges is 15 cm, the width between them is at least 50 cm.The optimal distance between plants is at least 20 cm.

Attention! During planting, the largest tubers should be planted 2-3 cm lower than the rest.

Growing features

Nikulinsky is unpretentious in care, but there are some agrotechnical features inherent in this particular variety:

• It is recommended to use specialized preparations for the prevention and control of pests and diseases at all stages of crop cultivation. Due to this peculiarity, the variety is not suitable for organic farming.
• To obtain maximum yield, it is recommended to regularly feed plants with mineral fertilizers.
• During landing it is recommended to locally apply fertilizers to each planting hole (for example, ash and humus).

Compliance with the intricacies of cultivation inherent in the variety will directly affect the quality and quantity of the crop.

The nuances of care

The general rules for caring for plantings of the Nikulinsky variety are not much different from the algorithm for growing any other potato variety. With the only proviso that the culture requires special attention in terms of protection from pests.

As mentioned above, the variety is not suitable for organic cultivation and requires regular application of various insecticidal preparations.

Watering mode

Nikulinsky potatoes need regular watering and do not tolerate drought well. However, its tubers will begin to rot at high humidity. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plots 3-5 times during the whole season, focusing on the actual weather conditions.

Top dressing

Nikulinsky potatoes will delight you with their harvest if fertilizing with specialized fertilizers is carried out not only at the time of planting, but also regularly during the entire period of active growing season.

The optimal solution is to apply top dressing during irrigation by mixing manure into the water or previously fermented chicken manure in a separate container.

Weeding and hilling

Partial hilling of plants before the budding period, as well as deep and regular loosening of row spacings, will help to get rid of weeds on the plot.

Important! Do not huddle the tops on dry soil, as this can lead to drying out of the ground part of the plant.

After hilling, it is recommended to mulch the aisles of potato plots by adding rotted sawdust and humus.

Disease and pest control

Nikulinsky potatoes have complex resistance to most diseases inherent in nightshade plants.

However, it is required to regularly take preventive measures to avoid lesions inherent in this variety. nematode and Colorado potato beetle. Use specialty chemicals on the market, strictly following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

14 days before the collection of root crops, the tops are removed from the beds in order to avoid its defeat by late blight.

Harvesting and storage

The most pleasant and desirable moment for every farmer is harvesting. But it is worth doing it according to all the rules if you want to preserve the fruits of your labors for a long time.

How and when to collect

Nikulinsky is a frost-resistant variety with a fairly long ripening period (about 120 days), therefore, potatoes are harvested at the end of September - early October.

The tubers are harvested in dry weather. Bushes with pre-assembled tops are carefully dug up, the roots are removed, thoroughly dried in the dark, and sent to a place prepared in advance for storage.

Storage features, keeping quality of the variety

Tubers are distinguished by high keeping rates, averaging 95%. When properly stored in a dark, cool and dry place, they can be stored perfectly for six months. Even in the case of abundant fertilization during the growing process, the percentage of keeping quality of root crops does not decrease, and the taste qualities are fully preserved.

What can be the difficulties in growing

The main problems inherent in the Nikulinsky variety during cultivation are the defeat of tubers by a nematode, decay, as well as an attack on the ground part of the Colorado potato beetle culture. With the timely prevention of the above problems, cultivation of the variety will not be particularly difficult.

Tips from experienced gardeners and reviews about the Nikulinsky variety

The variety has a lot of fans, noting its unpretentiousness and high yield. However, this variety is not suitable for everyone in terms of taste.

Irina, Voronezh: «The tubers quickly and well boil during cooking, do not lose their appearance when exposed to air and are easy to clean. For me, this is the best variety, because for the entire planting season nothing hurt and did not cause trouble. "

Mikhail, Novosibirsk: “Nikulinsky is not a bad variety, but it attracts the Colorado potato beetle. This is not the first time I have been struggling with this scourge, but beginners can get confused. The beetle destroyed half of all plantings of neighbors in the country.

Valentina, Krasnodar: “My advice to you is that if you plant Nikulinsky at your dacha, add fertilizer to each hole at once. Then the tubers will be bigger and the bushes will definitely not hurt. I sprinkle ashes, then during the season I feed them two more times with complex fertilizers with irrigation ".

Conclusion

The Nikulinsky variety, which was bred relatively recently, managed to firmly take its place both in the gardens of amateur gardeners and on plots intended for the industrial cultivation of potatoes with a high starch content. Delicious, fruitful and not capricious in relation to growing conditions, this variety is truly an achievement of domestic selection.