Baltica

	Description
	Tuber Shape	Oval to Round
	Eyes	Shallow evenly distributed eyes
	Skin	Smooth yellow
	Flesh	deep yellow
	Plant	Medium to large sized upright vine.

Baltica is an medium early, very high yielding fresh market potato variety with high numbers of short oval tubers per plant. The tubers have a smooth yellow skin and yellow flesh color. Baltica has long storage capabilities and when cooked or peeled has a high resistance to discoloration. Baltica is a German variety developed and owned by Solana.

GROWING SEASON MANAGEMENT

Pre-planting considerations: Tubers have a medium strong dormancy. Planting either single drop or cut seed is acceptable. Warming of seed prior to planting is recommended so eyes are open before planting for a fast emergence, but excessive warming can cause sprouting and aged seed.. Seed Piece depth should be 2-4" with a good hill cover.

Fertility: Total fertilizer applied during the growing season should be in the following range based on soil analysis,: N(140-160), P(120-220),K(0-60),S(40). Pre-plant incorporated N should be from 90-100#. Broadcast N should be in the 40-70# range. Apply rest of nitrogen early around hilling time. Performance in alkali soil is good.

Irrigation: Irrigation interval at the maximum ET is three days. Drought tolerance is good. Monitor soil moisture carefully.

Pest Control: Competition against weeds is good. Baltica is not sensitive to any of the major herbicides. Standard insect control measures are generally effective. Control of foliar early blight usually requires four to ten fungicide applications.

Tuber Development: Tuber set is heavy and occurs in the middle of the hill. Tuberization occurs early and tubers bulk at a fast rate mid-season. Tubers are resistant to shatter bruise.

Vine Kill: Average days from planting to vine kill are 100+. Vine killing is required in most years. Vines can be difficult to kill if foliage immaturity persists to the end of the growing season. Adequate skin set occurs within 14-21 days.

STORAGE MANAGEMENT

Baltica is a good long term storage potato with few problems. Extended dormancy results in minimum sprouting problems.

DISEASE REACTION