The Scientific and Practical Center for Potato and Horticulture of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus is testing six Belarusian potato varieties in Nicaragua. Scientists have observed that growing these varieties in tropical temperatures shortens the harvest cycle.
Adaptation of four varieties to the climatic and soil conditions of the municipality of Esteli was carried out, as a result of which the following preliminary results were obtained.
Ragneda production and harvest time has been reduced from 120 days to 90 days (30 days less). The variety is resistant to crop pests and has a potential yield of up to 600 centners per hectare. These potatoes have soft flesh and cook quickly.
Breeze is also harvested 30 days faster, as its production time has been reduced from 120 to 90 days. It has a yield potential of up to 595 centners per hectare, has a smooth texture and good frying characteristics.
The Janka variety has a short production cycle, as it is harvested after 100 days (20 days less). Its potential yield is up to 471 centners per hectare. These potatoes have fewer eyes on the tuber, and those that do have are superficial, making them easier to peel when cooked.
The red Zarnitsa potato is also harvested after 100 days, reducing the production time by 20 days. The most important feature is that it has a yield of up to 580 centners per hectare.
Scientists are also working at the Estelí micropropagation laboratory to replicate healthy plants of the Uladar and Skarb varieties. Once the goal is reached, research sites will be set up at producer pilot farms in the departments of Jinotega, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia and other areas of Esteli, where scientists will conduct trials to find out how long potatoes can be stored under various conditions.