The breeding company Dr. K.-H. Niehoff from Bütow will present a brand new and interesting potato variety at the upcoming Potato Europe in Bockerode. The potato is marketed under the variety name Macarena and was bred for the food and export market. The medium early potato (ready for harvest from mid-August) was newly approved this year, it is particularly storable and has a red skin. The biggest advantage is that the variety can also cope well with longer dry and hot periods and still achieves high yields, confirms a spokesman for the breeding company.
Outstanding heat tolerance
In March of this year, the variety was newly approved after many years of preparation. Over 5 years detailed trials were carried out in the potato stronghold Lüneburger Heide and on the areas of the seed breeding Niehoff before it was actually ready to be registered for marketing. ”Due to the very high yields, especially on heavier soils, this mainly waxy variety is particularly suitable for the export market. It also has a very fine taste, a smooth skin and very flat eyes. With its yellow flesh colour and good skin texture, it resembles Laura, but is much more productive.
In the wake of the weather extremes during this year’s summer months, the question is now how the variety will behave in the warehouse after the difficult growing conditions. With this year’s drought, we have been able to determine that the Macarena is able to grow steadily even under persistent heat stress. Although it could very well compensate for a hot spell, we still recommend watering it.”.
Nationwide cultivation trials
The variety is not yet commercially cultivated, as it was only newly approved in March of this year. However, test applicants from various growing regions in Germany have already registered and the question now is how the variety will perform in the individual growing regions and the corresponding climatic conditions. It is already being promoted at packaging and peeling companies and at the trade fair stand (No. G/B29) at the upcoming Potato Europe on 12 and 13 September.
Mecklenburg Breeding Station
Since 1991, the Mecklenburg breeding station Dr. Niehoff in Bütow has specialised in the successful breeding, propagation and marketing of starch potatoes. As a recognised basis, the Bütow location offers excellent conditions for the successful propagation of healthy seed potatoes. Thanks to close cooperation with European breeding companies, successful varieties are available on the market in the most important potato regions. Currently, the breeding company is also trying to establish itself in the table potato sector with high-yield, high-quality potato varieties.
Quelle: https://www.freshplaza.de
