BELLATRIX

Bellatrix is an early-maturing potato variety developed from a cross between Universa and a hybrid. It produces a large number of elongated, oblong tubers with smooth yellow skin and yellow flesh. The variety has a moderate dry matter content, making it suitable for both firm and slightly floury culinary uses. 

This variety is particularly well adapted to European and Mediterranean climates, where it demonstrates strong performance in terms of yield and tuber quality. Bellatrix has a high proportion of large-sized tubers and shows excellent uniformity and skin finish.

Agronomic & Culinary Qualities

Bellatrix is a hardy and vigorous variety, with strong foliage and stable productivity. It exhibits good dormancy and maintains excellent quality during storage. It also shows good resistance to cooking and has consistent taste and texture, with minimal discoloration after cooking. Its frying quality is acceptable for home and light commercial use.

In the field and during handling, Bellatrix has good resistance to physical stress, with low susceptibility to mechanical damage, cracking, or hollow heart.

Disease & Pest Resistance

Bellatrix is resistant to nematodes of the Ro1–4 group, which makes it suitable for regions where these pests are common. It is not very sensitive to common scab and performs well against tuber blight. However, it is sensitive to foliage blight and should be monitored closely in high-pressure conditions. 

It also shows good tolerance to viral diseases like PVY and leaf roll, and it resists minor physiological issues such as rust spots and ashen stains effectively.