GENETIC RESOURCE OF THE BLACKTHORN OR SLOE (PRUNUS SPINOSA L.) WITH VALUABLE ECONOMIC SIGNS FOR BREEDING ON YIELD AND QUALITY

Abstract

The analysis of literature data allowed to highlight the importance of the plant Prunus spinosa L. as a valuable source material in the selection of stone crops and its fruits as raw materials for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Leading scientists have obtained a significant number of valuable forms and varieties of terrain, in particular in Ukraine created a variety Donets’kyy krupnyy, in the CIS such varieties as Desertnyy, Velykoplidnyy, Sverkhobilnyy, Sladkiy and others. The analysis of theoretical bases revealed that it is important in the selection of Prunus spinosa L. to involve wild species and forms with different ploidy, in particular the use of hexaploid Prunus spinosa L. avoids the stage of pentaploid hybrids in F1. It is noted that fruit juice called blackthorn or sloe is effective for the prevention of intestinal parasites, dysentery, nonspecific colitis, food poisoning, and also has antiviral and antibacterial properties, which is relevant during pandemics. Original data on the results of expeditionary research of the staff of the Institute of Horticulture of NAAS, conducted in the ecosystems of Polissya and Forest-Steppe of Ukraine are highlighted. It is shown that as a result of analytical selection and fruitful cooperation with amateur gardeners, valuable source material of Prunus spinosa L. was selected and studied. Selected clones of Prunus spinosa L. were introduced to the hospital of the Institute of Horticulture of NAAS, where during 2017-2021 it was studied by morphological features and biological properties. It was found that the forms selected in the conditions of Polissya and Northern Forest-Steppe are characterized by tallness (over 2.5 m), resistance to low negative temperatures, large-fruitedness and increased fruit weight (Nosivs’ky 1-17, Nosivsk’y 2-17, Horokhivs’ky 1-20). Forms selected in the conditions of both Western and Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine are characterized by short stature (height up to 1.6 m), absence of thorns, resistance to moisture deficiency in spring and summer, yield and excellent taste and aroma of fruits (Brodivs’ky 17-19, Mukshans’ky 2-14, Poltava late, Halyts’ky 07-21, Poltavs’ky 2-17). Abundant fruiting of new forms of Prunus spinosa L. in 2021 allowed to harvest fruit from them and evaluate the morphological characteristics and biochemical parameters. The obtained data allowed to single out the most valuable in terms of fruit quality and suitability for food production.