The Safia potato is a mid-early, table-type variety of German selection with a maturity period of 65 to 80 days. Plants are of medium height, intermediate type, with upright or semi-upright stems and green leaves of medium to large size. Tubers are elongated-oval, with small eyes, covered with yellow skin, and the flesh is light-yellow. The weight of marketable tubers ranges from 92 to 115 grams, making them suitable for various culinary purposes. The starch content in the tubers is 10.5 to 13.3%, corresponding to the culinary type AB, suitable for making salads, soups, and frying.
The Safia variety has high and stable yields, reaching 198 to 398 centners per hectare, with maximum yields reaching 416 centners per hectare, significantly exceeding the yields of standard varieties such as Elizabeth, Breeze, and Crown. The tuber marketability is in the range of 80-98%, and storability reaches 97%, ensuring long-term storage without quality loss. The taste of the potato is rated as good, making it attractive to both consumers and producers.
The variety is characterized by high resistance to a number of diseases and pests. It is resistant to the potato cyst nematode, golden potato cyst nematode, and to crinkly and striped mosaic. At the same time, the variety is moderately susceptible to late blight on both foliage and tubers. These characteristics make Safia a reliable choice for cultivation in various regions with different climatic conditions, ensuring a stable and high-quality harvest.
