Characteristics and description of the Manifest potato variety, planting and care

The Manifest potato variety is considered one of the most popular. This Belarusian-bred crop is prized for its consistent yield and disease resistance. The plant is grown not only in Belarus but is also actively cultivated in other countries. To ensure a good harvest, it's important to pay attention to soil selection and crop care. To do this, familiarize yourself with the basic recommendations of experts.

History of selection

The variety was developed by Belarusian breeders. The hybridizer was the Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences. In 2014, the plant was added to the State Register of the Russian Federation. The variety is suitable for cultivation in various regions. It is actively cultivated in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, and Moldova.

Description of the potato variety Manifest

To decide whether to grow this crop, it is worth carefully studying its characteristics.

Bush size, leaves and flowering

The potato plants are semi-erect and reach a height of up to 50 centimeters. The plant is characterized by medium-sized emerald leaves with a glossy surface. Small teeth are present along the edges. The inflorescences have a blue-lilac hue.

The tubers are characterized by an oblong shape with rounded edges. They have small eyes, making them easy to peel. The skin is quite thick and pinkish in color. Inside, there is light amber flesh. Under favorable conditions, each root vegetable weighs 140-145 grams. The starch content in the tubers is 15-16%.

Potato yield and taste

Manifest is considered a mid-early variety characterized by high yields. One hectare can yield 170-350 centners. The crop has excellent flavor. The tubers contain numerous vitamins, minerals, and microelements. They retain their shape and do not become mushy during cooking.

Resistance to low temperatures and drought

The plant easily tolerates drought and cold winds. However, moisture deficiency can reduce yields. Therefore, the crop requires moderate watering.

Susceptibility to insects and diseases

Manifest is characterized by resistance to various diseases. The plant is virtually immune to scab, canker, mosaic, and fusarium. However, it is occasionally susceptible to late blight.

Stems and leaves are often attacked by aphids and the Colorado potato beetle. Nematodes pose a major threat to the crop. The plant is also susceptible to attacks by the potato moth.

Advantages and disadvantages: is it worth planting in the area?

Culture has many advantages. These include:

• high yield rates;
• excellent product characteristics;
• good taste;
• resistance to viral infections;
• long shelf life.

However, potatoes also have some minor disadvantages:

• need for additional watering;
• the need to use fertilizers.

How to plant and care for the crop

To harvest a good potato crop, it is recommended to choose the right plot and prepare the planting material.

Determining the landing site

The area for Manifest potatoes should be permeable. When choosing soil type, it's best to choose one with medium acidity.

Suitable predecessors for potatoes

When growing this crop, it's important to remember crop rotation rules. It's not recommended to plant this crop in beds previously occupied by nightshades. Suitable precursor crops include the following:

• onion;
• garlic;
• green manure;
• cucumbers;
• cabbage;
• legumes;
• beet.

Preparing the landing site

The soil for planting potatoes should be prepared in the fall. This is the time to apply fertilizer. Organic matter, such as humus or compost, should be used. This fertilizer should be applied after tilling the soil. Inorganic fertilizers are also recommended. Apply 4 kilograms of nitroammophoska per 100 square meters.

Preparing planting material

One month before planting, begin preparing the tubers. At this stage, it's recommended to sort them. Choose tubers 5-6 centimeters in size for planting. They should be free of any damaged areas.

The planting material should be placed in several layers of boxes and left to germinate. It's recommended to place the containers in a well-lit, warm location. Before planting, inspect the root vegetables again and keep only those with firm sprouts.

To increase yield, potatoes should be sprayed with a solution containing copper sulfate and boric acid. This also helps protect the tubers from fungal diseases and rhizoctonia.

Disembarkation times and rules

Potatoes of this variety are recommended to be planted in the first half of May. In the south, this can be done earlier. However, it's important to ensure that the soil warms to at least 8 degrees Celsius. Planting tubers in cold soil will encourage disease and lead to a reduction in fruit set. Late planting also results in a 7-10% yield drop.

The planting material should be placed in prepared holes or furrows. It is recommended to do this at an equal distance and depth. This will ensure the sprouts rise evenly above the surface, ensuring simultaneous ripening.

The distance between bushes should be at least 50 centimeters. This will ensure good access of light from all directions.

How to care for potato plantings

This potato variety is easy to care for. To ensure a bountiful harvest, it only requires timely watering and fertilization.

Irrigation and fertilization

Water your garden beds as needed. This should take into account the soil quality, rainfall, and temperature. Potatoes prefer infrequent but abundant watering. This is especially important during flowering.

Timely application of fertilizer is also crucial. Gardeners often use well-rotted manure. It promotes tuber development, resulting in a looser soil. This improves air circulation. If manure is unavailable, poultry manure can be used. It is recommended to mix it with water and let it sit.

Loosening the soil and weeding

When growing potatoes, the soil must be loosened. This procedure begins with a rake, even before the sprouts appear. The soil should be loosened after watering and rainfall. After sprouting, loosening is considered a priority. Providing oxygen allows the tubers to form much faster.

Timely weeding is also crucial. Beds should be weeded at least twice during the season. The first time, when the plants reach 2-3 centimeters. The second time, weeding occurs when the tops reach 30 centimeters.

If weeds grow quickly, don't expect them to germinate. It's recommended to weed the beds as they grow.

Hilling up the beds

This procedure is often combined with loosening and weeding. This method of cultivation helps maintain the foliage, oxygenate the soil, and prevent weed growth.

When hilling, rake the soil up to the potato stems. Inspect the tops, removing any dry or curled leaves. This procedure should be performed every 10-15 days.

Preventive and curative treatments of potatoes

Late blight is a common potato disease. Its development is caused by fungal microorganisms. To avoid damage to the crop, it's important to carefully select the seed material. For prevention, it's recommended to use a lime solution or copper sulfate.

Potatoes are susceptible to cancer. To avoid problems, plant only healthy sprouts.

The shrub's leaves sometimes become covered with brown spots. This causes them to dry out. To prevent brown spot, apply mineral fertilizers promptly.

Common pests include mole crickets, blackflies, and Colorado potato beetles. It is recommended to use pest control products before fruit set. potato moth such remedies as Leptocide and Bitoxibacillin help.

Harvesting and storage

This variety is characterized by high yields. With proper care, each bush can yield up to 15 root vegetables. The harvest is done after the tops have dried to 40-60%. A couple of weeks before harvesting, it's best to trim the stems. This will help form a denser skin.

Potatoes should be stored in a bright place at 15-18 degrees Celsius. This will allow moisture to evaporate. Then, place the vegetables in boxes or bags and take them to a cool place. The temperature should not exceed 12 degrees Celsius.

Gardeners' reviews of the variety

Reviews of the Manifest variety attest to its excellent characteristics:

1. Anna: "A neighbor at my dacha recommended this variety to me. I was very pleased with the results—a good harvest and uniform tubers. The variety is easy to grow and disease-resistant."
2. Ivan: "I've been growing this potato variety for several years now. The yield isn't dependent on weather conditions and is suitable for a variety of regions."

Manifest is a wonderful potato variety with excellent flavor and a bountiful harvest. To achieve excellent results, it's important to plant and care for the plants correctly.