ILONA

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

Ilona is an early, very high yielding fresh market potato variety with big tuber size, yellow skin and flesh color. It has good drought and heat tolerance and a nice big vine. It has good resistances to many diseases including PVY, PLRV, blackleg, verticilium wilt and leak. Ilona 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. 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(120-260),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. Ilona is not sensitive to any of the major herbicides. Standard insect control measures are generally effective. Control of foliar early blight usually requires two to three 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 moderately resistant to shatter bruise.

Vine Kill: Average days from planting to vine kill are 90+. 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

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

DISEASE REACTION