Hardy potato variety "Lapot" is not afraid of bad weather
Potatoes with a purely peasant name Lapot have been tested by more than one generation of vegetable growers. This variety has been known for more than half a century - during this time it has not lost its relevance. Despite the varietal diversity of domestic and foreign producers, it remains a favorite in numerous garden beds. The crop is high-yielding, with good adaptation to any climate, and is characterized by unprecedented ease of care.
Description of the variety
The main indicators are medium-early ripening, high yield and large tubers.
The bush is medium-sized - no more than 60 cm, spreading. The foliage is dense, the leaves are medium sized, light green. When flowering, large snow-white flowers are formed.
The plant exhibits increased resistance to sudden temperature changes, recurrent frosts, drought and extreme heat.
The crop is not picky about soil composition; it fully develops and bears fruit even in heavy soil.
Origin and development
The culture, which appeared more than half a century ago, continues the best traditions of domestic selection. The creators of the variety are unknown. He probably came from the people, hence his peasant name.
The variety became most widespread in the 50s. At that time, the culture was bred mainly in the Far East and Siberia, which is why the people developed such names as Bashkir and Siberian Lapot. But the correct name for potatoes is Lapot.The culture is not divided into subspecies and has the same characteristics for all regions.
Reference! The variety got its name because of the shape of the tubers, which look slightly reminiscent of rustic bast shoes.
Chemical composition, trace elements and vitamins
Potato tubers contain proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and starch. Fiber is involved in digestion, improving intestinal motility, and starch strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of developing inflammatory processes.
Of the vitamins, all B group compounds are present, including B5 (nicotinic acid). The amount of ascorbic acid replenishes the body's daily need for this vitamin.
The minerals contained in tubers include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and selenium. This composition makes the vegetable a biologically valuable product.
Characteristics of tubers, appearance
The tubers are large, oval-elongated, average weight - 110-160 g. The peel is pink or dark pink with small eyes located on the surface. The flesh is creamy in color and does not darken during heat treatment.
The taste is at a high level. The use of ripe vegetables is universal; they are great for frying, boiling, stewing, baking and preparing salads.
The photo shows the Lapot potato variety.
Ripening period
The crop is classified as mid-early in terms of ripening time. Since landings 65-80 days pass before harvest. Ripening is smooth, the growing season is not extended. Harvest safety is at least 94% of the total volume. When transported over long distances, ripe vegetables do not lose their presentation.
Productivity
The productivity of culture is undeniable and exceeds the usual standards.At least 450-500 centners are collected from 1 hectare. Each bush produces 6-8 tubers, one of which weighs at least 500 g. The total mass of tubers is 3-4 kg.
Disease resistance
The culture does not have immunity to fungal infections: Alternaria, late blight. But it is practically not affected by viral diseases.
Climate requirements
The fact that the plant was bred in areas of risky agriculture indicates its endurance and rapid adaptation to an unfavorable climate. Potatoes are grown throughout Russia, including Siberia, but they are especially popular in Transbaikalia.
Advantages and disadvantages
The culture has been known for more than half a century thanks to its strengths:
- ability to fully develop in any climate;
- drought resistance;
- frost tolerance;
- heat resistance;
- simple agricultural technology;
- high yield;
- excellent taste;
- excellent presentation, large tubers;
- long storage;
- long transportation;
- versatility in application.
The disadvantages include weak immunity to fungal diseases.
Differences from other varieties
The main difference and advantage of potatoes is its high yield, size and weight of tubers. Also noteworthy is its extraordinary resistance to adverse factors, thanks to which it can be planted even in Siberia.
Reference! Potatoes of the Lapot variety do not have an originator and are not included in the State Register. It is impossible to find planting material in a specialized store. Private vegetable growers independently distribute Lapot planting potatoes.
Features of planting and growing
The characteristics of the variety say that it is unpretentious.Those who grew Lapot in their gardens confirm this fact and advise beginners to plant the crop.
Preparing for landing
Planting material begins to be prepared 1 month in advance. Select potatoes weighing no more than 100 g and carefully inspect for visible damage or changes. Spoiled tubers are disposed of, the rest are laid out in a bright room for germination. The optimal temperature is at least 15°C.
During germination, the skin of the tubers acquires a greenish tint. This indicates the accumulation of solanine, a toxic glycoside, in the skin. It repels rodents from sown beds, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of the seed.
Tubers are planted as soon as the sprouts reach 2 cm. At optimal temperature conditions, the sprouts will form strong and sprout quickly.
Reference! Those sprouts that formed on the tubers during storage must be removed.
Immediately before planting, the seed is treated with the growth stimulator "Epin" and sprayed with "Fitosporin" to protect against fungal infections.
Soil requirements
The crop takes root and bears fruit in soil of any composition. A necessary condition is double digging of the soil. The first time it is dug up is in the fall after harvesting, then in the spring before planting. In loose soil, potatoes sprout faster. In addition, when digging, pest larvae that are dangerous to seedlings are destroyed.
Dates, scheme and rules of planting
Seed material is planted at the end of April, unless we are talking about Siberia. Here, sowing can be postponed until mid-May, until the soil warms up to at least +7°C.
Planting is carried out in clear, sunny weather in pre-prepared holes, at the bottom of which a little wood ash is placed. The depth of the holes is 8-10 cm.
Planting pattern: 35 cm – distance between seedlings, 65-70 cm – between rows. With this planting scheme it is convenient to care for the seedlings in the future.
Nuances of care
To obtain a rich harvest, standard procedures are followed, which boil down to watering, weeding and hilling. Don't forget about fertilizing. They not only increase fruiting, but also strengthen the plant’s immunity.
Watering mode and weeding
Water the plant at least 3 times per season: during budding, during flowering and after. On hot and dry days, the amount of watering is increased. The signal is the wilting of foliage. As soon as you notice limp leaves, immediately water the seedlings thoroughly.
Sprinkling is considered the best irrigation. But with this method of watering, starting in August, moisture is supplied early in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry out in the evening. Otherwise, fungal infections cannot be avoided.
Reference! Sprinkling is a method of watering when water under pressure is sprayed over the plant and falls on it like raindrops.
After watering, the moistened soil is loosened and freed from weeds. Many pests and fungal spores breed in weeds, so they pose a threat to the health of seedlings.
The beds, cleared of weeds, are mulched with sawdust or straw.
Top dressing
A week after emergence, the seedlings are fed with ammonium nitrate, as they need nitrogen. Nitrogen accelerates plant growth and promotes rapid growth of foliage.
During the formation of tubers, plants need phosphorus and potassium, so superphosphate is used for the second feeding.
In addition to the main ones, foliar feeding is carried out, using mainly magnesium substances.
Hilling
Hilling is carried out three times a season, raking the soil from the rows onto the plants. In this case, the center is not covered, they are hilled only along the edges on both sides. The height of the ridge is 15-20 cm. Hilling protects the tubers from the penetration of pests. In addition, they are not exposed to the rays of the sun, which causes the potato skins to turn green.
Disease and pest control
Lapot potatoes have weak immunity to fungal diseases. Prevention is carried out immediately after planting, observing not only standard agricultural practices, but also regularly spraying the seedlings with antifungal drugs. Such substances include “Fitosporin” and “Osksikhom”. The same remedies are used for plant diseases.
Also, the risk of disease is reduced by following crop rotation rules. Seed material should not be planted in those beds where peppers, eggplants and tomatoes grew before potatoes.
In addition to fungal diseases, wireworms are dangerous for crops. This is the larva of a click beetle, which received this name for its external resemblance to wire. The worm lives in the soil at shallow depths and eats the roots of plants. To combat the pest, the insecticide “Prestige” is used, and marigolds are also planted between potato seedlings, the smell of which repels the parasite.
Harvest and storage
2 weeks before harvesting, remove all foliage, leaving a stem no more than 5-10 cm high. The foliage is burned because it retains bacterial spores for a long time.
The tubers are dug up with a pitchfork or shovel and left on the site for 2-3 hours to dry.The harvest is harvested in clear, sunny weather.
Storage conditions
After drying, the tubers are carefully inspected, damaged ones are disposed of, and placed in wooden boxes for further storage. The room where potatoes are stored should not be humid and warm. The optimal temperature is 2-4°C.
What difficulties may there be when growing
Due to the plant's susceptibility to fungal diseases, crops from the nightshade family should not be planted next to potatoes. They have the same diseases and pests - there is a high risk of infection.
Choose an area for potatoes that is open and unshaded. And groundwater should not rise higher than 70 cm from the surface of the earth.
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Advice from experienced gardeners and reviews
Experienced vegetable growers willingly share their advice and observations:
- Potatoes, when stored for a long time, do not like being next to other varieties. But beets placed nearby have a beneficial effect by absorbing excess moisture.
- When planting this crop, do not forget about the size of future tubers. If there is insufficient spacing (less than 35 cm) between holes, do not expect large potatoes.
Positive reviews from gardeners leave no doubt about the reliability of the crop.
Mikhail, Kazan: “The Lapot potato tubers are simply gigantic, as in the description of the variety and in the photo. When I planted it for the first time, I couldn’t believe my eyes: a few potatoes – and a full bucket! After cooking Lapot potatoes remain white and do not darken. The taste is excellent, moderately sweet. These are my favorite potatoes."
Ekaterina, Chelyabinsk: “I’ve always wanted to see what Lapot potatoes look like. When I saw it, I didn’t believe it. Very large potatoes.Despite the weight, they are tasty and suitable for any dish. My favorite is potatoes baked in the oven. Caring for it is not difficult, but regular prevention against late blight is required.”
Conclusion
Despite the fact that Lapot potatoes are not included in the State Register, they are as popular as they were half a century ago. The crop is loved by vegetable growers for its high yield, ability to grow in harsh conditions and ease of care. And the weight category of the tubers allows us to classify these potatoes as champions.