ZORACHKA

Zorachka — an early-maturing table potato variety of Belarusian selection, intended for cultivation on light and medium-grained soils, such as sandy loams and loose clays. The plant is semi-erect, low or medium height, with medium-sized green leaves and red-purple flowers. Tubers are oval or occasionally elongated, with smooth dark-yellow skin and light-yellow flesh. Eyes on the tubers are small and shallow, with an average single tuber mass ranging from 90 to 120 grams. Starch content in the flesh is 12.7–14.2%, which determines the tubers’ low susceptibility to breakdown.

The variety is characterized by high yield — from 254 to 316 centners per hectare — and good storability, reaching 96%. Zorachka is resistant to potato scab and nematodes, has moderate resistance to late blight, but is susceptible to certain viral diseases, including the Y-virus. Potatoes poorly tolerate drought, so careful attention to irrigation is required to avoid soil drying or overwatering. Adequate mineral nutrition increases the proportion of marketable tubers and overall yield.

The culinary qualities of this variety are high; Zorachka belongs to type AV, making it especially suitable for frying, salads, soups, and vegetable mixes. Due to its low susceptibility to breakdown, it is also well-suited for use as boiled young potatoes. Its simple agronomy and adaptability to various soil-climate conditions make this variety attractive for cultivation in different regions.