Genus solanum Cultivar 'Gala' | Species Solanum tuberosum | |
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Similar Potato, Laura, Solanum, Bamberg, Salad potato | ||
'Gala' is an early-ripening firm-fleshed edible potato, for which good eating and keeping qualities are claimed. It was developed by the Groß Lüsewitz-based plant breeder Norika. In 2010, it was chosen as Thuringia's potato of the year in a public contest to which nearly 1000 consumers contributed, and in which 'Laura' was second place.
Contents
Tuber properties
The potato has typically a roughly oval form with shallow eyes which makes it particularly suitable for mechanical peeling. It's yield per plant is relatively high, but a good water supply is vital. When cooked, the tuber suffers from only very minor discolouring. The variety has a bright yellow skin colour and a medium yellow flesh colour. It also has a very long dormancy period and it normally produced for the fresh market.
Resistances
This variety is heat and drought resistant to potato cyst nematode. It is also resistant to Pallida types 2 and 3. It has a good resistance to foliar and soil born diseases and it also has good scab and blackleg resistance.
Planting
Planting, using chitted seed potatoes, can be done at a depth some 2 cm deeper than normal since the plants are compact and easily lifted. To support irrigation requirements and nutritional qualities, the 'Gala' is also suitable for cultivation in relatively light soils. A protective dressing to counter Rhizoctonia is recommended.