Potato variety Wizard

The sorcerer is a medium-early variety of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) for table use. Bred at the end of the 90s by Russian breeders of the Leningrad Research Institute of Agriculture "Belogorka" in cooperation with the FGBUN Institute of General Genetics named after N.I. Vavilov. In 2000, it was included in the state register of plants of the Russian Federation. Zoned in seven regions of the country: North, North-West, Volgo-Vyatka, Central Black Earth, North Caucasus, Middle Volga, Far East. Differs in excellent taste, is one of the ten best domestic varieties. Suitable for long-distance transportation and long-term storage.

The time from the emergence of full shoots to harvest is 60-80 days.

The plant is of an intermediate type, the main stem is erect, the lateral ones are moderately spreading. Leaves are medium in size, light green in color, with little or no waviness at the edges. The flowers are medium-sized, white in color, collected in medium-sized corollas.

The Sorcerer's root system is powerful, up to 15 tubers weighing 73-116, sometimes up to 150 grams, are formed on one plant. Tubers are oval, slightly flattened, even. The rind is yellow, smooth to the touch. The pulp is white to light cream in color, not prone to darkening during cooking and cutting. The eyes are very small, inconspicuous, and superficial.

The marketable yield of potatoes in the Northern region, according to state tests, averages 270−352 kg / ha, at the level of the variety standard Nevsky... The maximum yield in this area was recorded at around 370 c / ha, 34 c / ha more than the standard established in the Republic of Karelia. In the Middle Volga region, the marketable yield varies within the range of 174-272 c / ha, 69-154 c / ha more than the indicators of Nevsky. The largest amount of harvest was obtained in the Republic of Tatarstan - 419 c / ha, 261 c / ha higher than the standard. Marketability is very good - 84−97%, keeping quality is excellent - 96%.

The taste is excellent! The tubers have a pleasant sweetish taste, the pulp is without excessive dryness or wateriness, and is crumbly when finished. The digestibility of tubers is average, they are suitable for preparing absolutely any dishes, but they are especially well suited for frying and baking, and they also make an excellent airy puree. The starch content in the pulp is kept at the level of 12.4-15%, which is 0.2-0.6 higher than the standard. According to gardeners' reviews, the Wizard really earned his place in the top ten most delicious varieties! Despite frequent difficulties in seed renewal, potato growers continue to grow this variety because of its superior taste.

Plants are undemanding to soil and climatic conditions. The best yield is shown on loose fertile soils, light loam and sandy loam are most suitable. The sorcerer has good resistance to drought, and even with a large amount of rainfall, it will not leave you without a crop. As for agricultural technology, the plants are absolutely unpretentious and need only minimal care. Below is a short list of tips for growing.

• It is advisable to germinate the tubers before planting. You can also treat them with growth stimulants and disinfectants.
• Potatoes are planted when the soil warms up to + 8-10 ° C, around the beginning of May.
• It is better to grow according to standard technology, the planting scheme is 60 × 35 cm, the planting depth is 8-10 cm, on heavy soils it is slightly less.
• Plants respond well to watering and feeding. These activities should be carried out as needed.
• Standard agricultural practices will have a good effect on the amount of the crop. This includes loosening the soil, hilling, weeding, treatment from diseases and pests.
• Observe the crop rotation on the site. The best predecessors are green manures, legumes, cabbage, cucumber, beets, zucchini, garlic, and onions.
• Replace seed material in time to avoid potato degeneration.

The Sorcerer variety is resistant to the causative agent of cancer, viruses A and Y.Possesses moderate susceptibility to golden cyst nematode. Tubers and tops are very rarely affected by late blight.

This variety fell in love with many gardeners for its excellent taste, high yield, early amicable ripening of tubers, unpretentious care, undemanding growing conditions, as well as the excellent presentation of tubers and their excellent keeping quality. Drought resistance should also be noted, thanks to which this potato can be cultivated in the southern regions. In general, it is very widespread throughout the territory of Russia, and over its almost 20 years of existence, it has proven itself very well in many regions of the country.

Of the shortcomings, a tendency to rapid degeneration is usually distinguished, which is why the seed material needs to be renewed more often, about once every 5 years. And this can be a very difficult process because the variety is currently being cultivated on a small scale. However, this does not prevent gardeners from continuing to grow the Wizard and receive a consistently large amount of harvest. If you are looking for a reliable, time-tested domestic variety with excellent taste, then our hero is exactly what you need!

The cultivation of this potato is officially engaged in: FGBNU "Udmurt Research Institute of Agriculture", FGBOU VO RGAU-Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. “Velikolukskaya State Agricultural Academy” in the Pskov Region, Federal Research Center “Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences” in the Republic of Tatarstan, State Autonomous Institution Scientific Center “Mossemprodtekhkartofel” in Moscow.