Black Currant Varieties Research Articles

Components of antioxidant activity in berries of black currant varieties from the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding

Components of antioxidant activity in berries of black currant varieties from the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding

Comparative evaluation of physiological and molecular responses of blackcurrant varieties to powdery mildew infection.

The black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), a member of the Saxifragaceae family's Ribes genus, has gained consumer and grower acceptance due to its high nutritional value and economic potential. However, powdery mildew, the primary leaf disease affecting black currants, significantly impacts growers and the industry. Developing varieties highly resistant to powdery mildew is currently considered the most scientifically sound solution. However, the black currant's physiological and disease resistance mechanisms post-infection by powdery mildew remain understudied, thereby impeding further breeding efforts. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of powdery mildew in various susceptible varieties, post-infection physiological changes, and molecular mechanisms related to powdery mildew. This was achieved through phenotypic observation, physiological data analysis, transcriptomic analysis, and qRT-PCR-mediated gene expression analysis.

Esults of the study of black currant varieties on the complex of economically valuable traits in Kirov region conditions

The aim of the research is to study collection material of black currant in conditions of Kirov region and to identify varieties which combine high productivity, large fruits and resistance to bud mite (Cecidophyes ribes West.) and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca mors-uvae (Schw) Berk et Gurt.). The researches had been held in an experimental garden of FSBSI FARC of the North-East (Kirov) in 2015-2021. The objects of the research were 36 black currant varieties of 2013 planting year. The check variety was Vologda. As a result of the research, source of the complex of economically valuable traits was distinguished: three varieties of Cherniy Zhemchug (Black Pearl), Chishma, Karachinskaya singled out for the combination of high productivity 62,3-142,0 c/ha (the exceeding of productivity over the check variety is 35,0% and more), for the large fruit (an average mass of a berry is 1,20 -1,70 g) and for high resistance to bud mite; the varieties Yadrenaya (Vigorous) and Gulliver were differed in a combination of high productivity 47,0 - 62,9 c/ha (the exceeding over the check variety is 35% and more), a large fruit (an average mass of a berry is 1,20 - 1,30), a high degree of resistance (the maximum degree of damage is 0,5 - 1,0 point) to powdery mildew and bud mite; two samples, Mila and Sputnik were identified for a combination of high productivity 46,7 - 49,6 c/ha (the exceeding of productivity over the check variety is 35,0% and more), for the large fruit (an average mass of a berry is 1,20 -1,80 g), a taste (4,0 points), a high degree of resistance (the maximum degree of damage is 0,5 - 1,0 point) to powdery mildew and bud mite. Complex resistance to powdery mildew and bud mite (the maximum degree of damage is 0 point during the research) was found in the Alexandrina variety.

Evaluation of winter harder of black currant hybrid forms in Yakutia

In Yakutia’s harsh natural and climatic conditions, growing only adaptive, highly winter-hardy blackcurrant varieties that can tolerate frosts below -50˚С is possible. In this regard, it is relevant to study the winter hardiness of hybrids and the selection of resistant samples. The purpose of the study is to identify winterhardy hybrid forms of black currant in the conditions of Central Yakutia. The studies were conducted in 2019–2021 at the Yakutsk Research Institute of Agriculture in a fruit and berry nursery. The objects of research are hybrid forms of 9 families of black currant. Inter-varietal crosses obtained the mixed material. During the study period, the weather conditions of winter were somewhat different. The winter of 2020/21 was cha-characterised by particular severity. The average air temperature in January was -46.3°C and the absolute winter minimum was -56.4°C. The frostiness of the winter was -4679.2°C and the snow depth was 30.5 cm.). The output of winter-hardy seedlings for all families was 23.6%. As a result of the study, 11 highly winter-hardy hybrid forms of various genetic origins were identified - 1-7-18, 2-8-18, 2-13-18, 2-14-18, 2-16-18, 4-12-18, 2- 19-18, 3-14-18, 3-22-18, 4-1-18, 3-2-18. They will be used in the practical breeding of blackcurrant as sources of high winter hardiness and varieties with a complex of economically valuable traits - as the ancestors of new types.

Comparative evaluation of black currant subzone of the taiga of the Komi Republic

Relevance. Black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) occupies an important place in amateur gardening of the Komi Republic as an economically valuable crop. There is no doubt that it is possible and necessary to develop berry growing in the Komi Republic, to meet the needs of the population in multivitamin products through local production of berries. The purpose of the paper was to study the economically useful traits of varieties cultivated in the North in the conditions of the middle subzone of the taiga. Winter hardiness, phenological phases, productivity, large-fruitedness (berry weight), biochemical composition of berries were analyzed.Methodology. The results of the study of six varieties of black currant in 2020–2022 are presented. Plants are nine to ten years old. The research was carried out according to the "Program and methodology for the study of variety of fruit, berry and nut crops" (1999). Currants are planted in rows according to the scheme 4 x 1.5.Results. As a result of the research, it was revealed that the studied varieties of black currant are promising for cultivation in the middle subzone of the taiga. In all studied varieties, vegetation was observed in the second-third decade of April. The beginning of flowering was observed in the middle of the second – the end of the third decade of May, 25–39 days after the beginning of the growing season. The beginning of fruit ripening was noted in the first-second decades of July, 48-52 days after the start of the flowering. Mass ripening of berries was noted in the middle of the second – the end of the third decade of July, and the middle of the second-first decade of August for “Lazy” variety. During the study period, the vegetation of black currant ended in the second decade of October, with the onset of temperatures below 5°C. The duration of the vegetation period over the years of research was above the norm and equaled 169-185 days. The productivity of black currant varieties was 1.16-1.79 kg per bush. All varieties are characterized by large fruits (berries) weighing 1.02-1.66 g. A biochemical analysis of frozen berries of blackcurrant varieties for 2021-2022 was carried out regarding the content of ascorbic acid, sugars, acidity, solids. The maximum content of ascorbic acid was noted in “Vologda” variety – 97.68 mg%. The highest sugar-acid index was in “Bagira” variety – 3.5. All the varieties have a high content of dry matter in berries: 18.04-20.38%. Overall, the varieties of black currant under study suit for cultivation in the middle subzone of the taiga.

New approaches to registration and conservation of domestic cultivars of berry crops in the VIR Genebank on the example of red raspberry and black currant

A collection of nomenclatural standards is being created at VIR for domestic cultivars of various crops in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP). A new complex strategy was proposed for vegetatively propagated crops for registering domestic cultivars received from their authors in the VIR genebank. In addition to the creation of nomenclature standards, the strategy includes the development of a genetic passport of a cultivar and the use of biotechnological methods to preserve explants (buds, meristems) isolated from plant material transferred by breeders to the VIR Herbarium. This approach can be used for any vegetatively propagated crop applying a protocol developed specifically for an individual crop. For raspberry and black currant varieties, the collecting of plant material, its preparation for the registration of nomenclature standards and the preservation of viable samples under controlled in vitro conditions have specific features. This article provides detailed protocols for performing the mentioned work for raspberry and black currant varieties. In addition, the article summarizes the first results of the implementation of our proposed strategy on the example of domestic raspberry and black currant varieties created in various breeding centers of Russia. Three years of joint work of VIR researchers and breeders from four breeding centers in five regions of the country have resulted in creation of nomenclature standards for 20 raspberry varieties, as well as for five black currant varieties bred at VIR. Thirteen samples of raspberry varieties and four of black currant varieties, genetically identical to nomenclature standards, were introduced into in vitro culture; four raspberry cultivars have been placed in the VIR cryobank for the long-term cryopreservation.

Profiles of Volatile Compounds from Seven New Hybrid Families Obtained by Crossings on Noir de Bourgogne Cultivar and Other Blackcurrant Varieties.

Berries of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) are popular for their strong and complex aroma and their benefits for health. In Burgundy (France), the most famous blackcurrant cultivar is the "Noir de Bourgogne". A blackcurrant breeding program was conducted to obtain new varieties, more resistant to infections and climate changes. The cultivar "Noir de Bourgogne" was crossed with seven other varieties in order to create a hybrid with good agronomic properties and organoleptic properties close to the ones of "Noir de Bourgogne". Several hybrids were created, and their aromatic profiles studied. Berries of eight cultivars, among which Noir de Bourgogne and hybrids resulting from crossings, were harvested during the summer of 2020. Volatile compounds of berries were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used as the most useful chemometric technique. The profiles in volatile compounds of hybrids were either different from those of the two parental varieties or close to that of varieties other than Bourgogne black. In all cases, the overall aroma strength of the hybrid did not equal that of the Noir de Bourgogne cultivar.

Promising sources for breeding golden currant (Ribes aureum Pursh)

The fundamental objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the morpho-biological attributes and valuable economic traits of hybrid samples of golden black currant. These hybrid samples are the result of crossbreeding Russian and American varieties. Beyond this, the research endeavors to establish foundational insights that can be employed as primary references in the development of novel cultivars. These cultivars are envisioned to be both fecund and endowed with larger-sized fruits, an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as adaptability to local environmental conditions. Furthermore, their suitability for extended transportation distances is an essential consideration. In essence, the study aspires to unravel the potential of these hybrid golden black currant varieties, exploring their morphological and biological characteristics, economic viability, and their potential contribution to the nutritional landscape. By assessing their adaptability, nutritional richness, and commercial prospects, we lay the groundwork for the advancement of new cultivars that hold promise not only for local agricultural systems but also for broader markets where they can meet the demands of health-conscious consumers and environmentally sustainable production practices.

RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL TEST OF PILOT BLACK CURRANT VARIETY

The purpose of the study is replenishment of the assortment of black currant for the Volga-Vyatka region. The blackcurrant variety Pilot was bred in the conditions of the Middle Urals, at Sverdlovsk horticultural breeding station. It was obtained from free pollination of Valovaya variety. Pilot variety was tested in five regions of the Russian Federation - in the system of state variety testing and in various scientific and educational institutions under scientific cooperation agreements. The studies were carried out according to the "Program and Methodology for the Study of Fruit, Berry and Nut Crops" (Oryol, 1999). In 2021, Pilot variety deservedly replenished the assortment of black currant for cultivation in the Volga-Vyatka (4) region,it is also suitable for cultivation in other regions of the Russian Federation. Pilot variety can serve as a starting material for further improvement of the blackcurrant assortment. Brief morpho-biological description includes: the variety is winter-hardy, drought-resistant, high yield, in some years up to 240 dt/ha. The bush is medium or tall, semi-spreading;medium-term flowering, medium-late ripening of berries, self-fertility - 66%, a variety with high resistance to powdery mildew and bud mites. The leaves are little affected by septoria. Fruit raceme is medium. Berries are with an average weight of 1.5 g, maximum - 5 g, black, rounded, relatively one-dimensional. The taste is sweet and sour, the skin is dense, but not rough, the separation is dry. The nomenclature standards for blackcurrant varieties selected by Sverdlovsk Horticultural Breeding Station, including the Pilot variety (WIR-54127), included in the Herbarium of Cultivated Plants of the World, Their Wild Relatives and Weeds (WIR) have been published in co-authorship with the staff of FSBSIFederal Research Center All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources.

Metabolomic prof iles of Ribes nigrum L. and Lonicera caerulea L. from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov Institute in the setting of Northwest Russia.

Recently, the trend of using fruit and berry crops as ingredients for functional and dietary nutrition, the development and implementation of f lavors, pigments, new medicines and dietary supplements has been actualized. Because the direction of use depends on the biochemical properties of fruits, which are determined not only by species and varietal characteristics, but also by reproduction conditions, the study of the biochemical composition of fruits grown in various regions of the world continues to be relevant. In this regard, the collection of N.I. Vavilov Institute (VIR), which has a wide diversity of fruit and berry crops, is of great interest for study. Ribes nigrum fruits have a balanced set of sugars, organic acids, essential oils, microelements, a high content of vitamins, anthocyanins, pectins. Lonicera caerulea fruits are characterized by high values of phenolic substances: biof lavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, f lavonols, polyphenols, anthocyanins, as well as vitamins, carotenoids, iridoid glycosides and other natural antioxidants. The investigation of L. caerulea and R. nigrum fruit's accessions from the VIR collection using gas-liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry allows us to obtain new information about the biochemical characteristics of fruits, to identify L. caerulea and R. nigrum varieties with optimal economically valuable characteristics, to determine the specif icity of L. caerulea and R. nigrum metabolomic spectra in the setting of Northwest Russia. As a result of the analysis, typical compounds of the metabolomic prof ile of each culture were identif ied. Organic acids, phenol-containing compounds and polyols prevailed in L. caerulea, while mono- and oligosaccharides, in R. nigrum. The qualitative composition of the black currant varieties 'Malen'kii Printz', 'Dobriyi Dzhinn', 'Tisel', 'Orlovskii Val's', and blue honeysuckle 'S 322-4', 'Malvina', 'Leningradsky Velikan' was optimal for food consumption; the varieties of blue honeysuckle 'Bazhovskaya' and black currant 'Aleander' had a good representation of biologically active compounds, which makes samples attractive as raw materials for the production of biologically active additives, including with the use of microorganisms' cultures.

The study of ecological flexibility and adaptability of black current varieties in conditions of Kirov region

The researches had been held in 2015-2021ss in FSBSI FARC of the North-East (FEDERAL STATE BUDGET SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION “FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE”). The studied objects were 36 varieties of black current collection of 2013 planting year. The check variety was Vologda. The aim of the researches is to estimate black currant varieties for productivity, fruiting stability, sustainability and adaptability in conditions of Kirov region. The most common technique to estimate productivity of the varieties is comparison with the check variety. 13 varieties were referred to the most numerous group of high productive (4.7-14.3 t/ha), including the varieties of FARC of the North-East, such as, Benefis (Benefit) and Sputnick (Satellite). The coefficient of productiveness stability (S) and the coefficient of adaptability (CA) were calculated for detection of adaptive varieties in conditions of the region. On the coefficient of productiveness stability (S) in conditions of Kirov region, the black current varieties with maximum demonstration of this feature were distinguished: Fortuna (Fortune) (0.86), Arcadia (0.83), Mulatka (Mulatto) (0.83), Dobriy Dzhin (A Kind Jenie) (0.82), Alivas (0.79) and the check variety Vologda (0.77). The estimation of the adaptability coefficient (CA) allows distinguishing 16 black current varieties with high adaptability (101280 % on average over 7 years). The coefficient of regression (bi) shows how far the amount of harvest varies in changing environmental index per unit and characterizes flexibility of the variety. 10 flexible, high-intensity varieties, which coefficient of regression was 6.8-1.4, were identified. The technique, which was suggested by S. N. Shcheglov, allows the combination of productivity and sustainability. The applying of the technique permitted to distinguish 13 varieties with above the average productivity among the whole complex of varieties (more than 4.5 t/ha). As a result of the research, the following black currant varieties were emphasized: Benefis (Benefit) which was differed in high productiveness stability, average fruiting stability, high flexibility and adaptability; Sputnick (Satellite) and Naslednitsa (Inheritress), which combined high productiveness stability, high flexibility and adaptability. The adaptive varieties of the intensive type Cherniy Zhemchug (Black Pearl) and Nezhdanchik showed high but instable productivity during the years. The productive varieties Arcadia (the selection of FARC of the North-East) and Dobriy Dzhin (A Kind Jenie) were prominent for high fruiting stability and adaptability.

STUDY OF CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACKCURRANT BERRIES DURING TREATMENT WITH LIQUID NITROGEN

This article presents some aspects related to the freezing of blackcurrant berries using liquid nitrogen: the duration of the process, the analysis of frozen and thawed berries, the change in physicochemical parameters and chemical composition, the advantages and disadvantages of this modern method. Fast freezing of food products in a cryogenic freezer is based on the use of the latent heat of vaporization of liquid nitrogen, as well as the sensible heat of vapors, the temperature of which rises to the final temperature of the frozen product. Given the requirement to reduce the fuel consumption required to generate the electricity needed for classical refrigeration systems, this method is used to freeze liquid nitrogen obtained as a by-product in the production of oxygen. Black currant is one of the most valuable and affordable sources of high content of vitamins and biologically active polyphenols. In the list of traditional berry plants, this crop occupies one of the leading positions in terms of the content of nutrients and biologically active substances necessary for a balanced human diet. Modern standards for blackcurrant varieties necessarily include certain requirements for the quality of berries, including their biological composition.

Evaluation of introduced blackcurrant varieties for production and breeding

Thus far, the world’s blackcurrant range comprises about 1,200 varieties and is constantly being improved. The most successful breeding programs for black currant have been implemented in Poland, England, Belarus, Ukraine, Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, China and Russia. However, the climatic conditions of several regions of the Russian Federation make it difficult to fully realize the biological potential of foreign varieties and they often do not correspond to the characteristics declared by the breeder. The study is aimed at making comprehensive assessment of the introducers to establish their selection potential and the possibility of industrial cultivation. The study was conducted in 2018-2021 in the black currant collection site of the Kokino station of Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Bryansk region). 20 varieties of black currant of foreign breeding from different ecological and geographical groups were explored. A new local variety Kudesnik with average maturation time was taken for comparison. It was included in the State Register for Selection Achievements in 2022. An assessment of introduced black currant varieties by morphological character of plants revealed the features of their growth in the south-western conditions of the central Non-Black Earth region. Varieties that do not meet the requirements of modern intensive mechanized technologies have been established. In terms of plant height, the varieties Mriya, Nympha, Kupalinka, Cheryshneva, Amethyst, Sofiyivska and Triton do not meet the parameters appropriate for mechanical harvesting. It will be difficult to use berry harvesting equipment with the varieties Sofievskaya, Amethyst and Klussonovskaya due to the wide base of their bushes (>0.3 m). The varieties Sofievskaya and Klussonovskaya, with the highest yield (10 t/ha) do not meet the requirements of modern production in terms of bush mien and berries tearaway force. The best introducers (Sofievskaya, Klussonovskaya, Nympha, Mriya, Cheryshneva, Triton, Belorusochka, Kupalinka) with a yield of 8.3-10.0 tonnes/ha can be recommended for home gardening. A number of foreign varieties as genetic sources in breeding for berry strength (Cheryshneva, Ben Hope, Black Magic, Tiben); fruit size (Nympha); number of fruits in the claster (Triton, Cheryshneva); taste qualities (Mriya); high content of soluble solids (Ben Tirran, Sofievskaya, Mriya) and other characteristics of interest have been identified.

Nomenclatural standards of black currant cultivars bred by Sverdlovsk Horticultural Breeding Station. Part II

For the first time in Russia, N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) has initiated and is working on the creation of nomenclatural standards of domestic cultivars. The nomenclatural standard confirms the originality of the cultivar and protects the copyright of its creators. The article presents the nomenclatural standards of 8 black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) varieties bred at Sverdlovsk Horticultural Breeding Station, that are undergoing State variety testing: Ataman (WIR-54113), Viktorina (WIR-54116), Voevoda (WIR-54117), Dobrokhot (WIR-54120), Kornet (WIR-54124), Mushketer (WIR-54126), Napev Uralskiy (WIR-54135), Staratel (WIR-54130). Herbarium samples the plant material for which has been selected directly by the author of these varieties in the collection of the originator organization are taken as nomenclature standards. In addition to the description and photos of the nomenclature standards, the distinctive taxonomic and economically valuable features of each variety are given. The created nomenclature standards in the amount of 14 herbarium samples are made in accordance with the recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP), registered in the database "VIR Herbarium" and included to the type collection of the Herbarium of cultivated plants of the world, their wild relatives and weeds (WIR).

Breeding opportunities for increasing the black currant large-fruiting

The results of the study of the black currant varieties collection of FSBSI FRC of Horticulture, located in the Bryansk region, by large-fruiting are presented. Genetic sources have been identified for inclusion in the breeding process to increase the average weight of berries (Lentyai, Titania, Gamayun, Dobry Gin, Podarok Veteranam, Podarok Astakhova, Kudmig, Debryansk, Bryanskiy Agat, Dar Smolyaninovoy, Kudesnik, and others). The most productive families for the output of large-fruited seedlings are given, such as Debryansk × Dar Smolyaninovoy, Orloviya × Nara, Rita × Titania, Strelets × Partizanka Bryanskaya, 10-141-2 (Strelets × Golubichka) × Partizanka Bryanskaya. The result of well-chosen combinations of crosses was the creation of new highly productive varieties of black currant Mif, Favorit, and several selected forms.

Achievements in breeding and main directions for improving black currant adssortment in Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery

The article presents the main results of twenty years of research carried out at the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Kokino Base Station) on the search and creation of various genetic origin genotypes and the possibility of their use in further breeding work on black currants. The created genetic sources of resistance to American powdery mildew, leaf spots (canker, septoria, cercosporosis), large-fruited, berries’ high vitamin С content, fruit strength, plant productivity are presented: 7-37-2 (Litvinovskaya × Dar Smolyaninovoy), 37-27-4/05 (Debryansk, free pollination), 63-35-1 (Lentyay × Debryansk), 68-03-1 (Charodey × Yadryonaya), 5-66-5 (Dobrynya, free pollination), 13-51-1 (Shalunya, free pollination), 33-27-1 (Strelets × Selechenskaya 2) etc. As a result of breeding research, 12 black currant varieties have been created, eight of which (Bryanskiy Agate, Debryansk, Mif, Vera, Gamayun, Strelets, Charodey, Barmaley) are included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements, approved for using.

Влияние биопрепаратов на параметры корневой системы одревесневших черенков черной смородины (Ribes nigrum L.)

Black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) is one of the most widespread berry crops in Russia. The need for planting material of black currant is increasing every year, because the area for laying industrial plantations is increasing. The purpose of our research is to assess the effect of combinations of biological products on the rooting rate of cuttings and on the parameters of the root system of black currant. The objects of research are black currant varieties - Dar Smolyaninova, Sevchanka, Yadrenaya. In the research, there are two combinations of biological products: based on Trichoderma viride + water and the combined use Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The experiment was carried out in 2021 in the Moscow region. We found that there is no reliable effect of the products on the increase of the root system volume and the roots length. The coefficients of variation for the studied varieties of the root system volume and along the length are very high, that does not make the planting material leveled according to these indicators. Keywords: BLACK CURRANT, RIBES NIGRUM, CUTTINGS, REPRODUCTION, ROOTING, BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS, TRICHODERMA VIRIDE, PSEUDOMONAS FLUORESCENS

Evaluation of black currant varieties suitability for combine harvesting

The article deals with the results of evaluation and selection of black currant varieties from the Leningrad POOS (IAEP - branch of FNAC VIM) in order to form an industrial assortment suitable for machine cleaning. During the study, it was found that the varieties Yadrenaya and Gulliver retain their strength longer when overripe and are less exposed to cracking of the skin. As the experiment showed, this is due to increased indicators of the crushing force of varieties. With mechanized harvesting, the completeness of the removal of berries directly depends on the separation force, with an indicator of less than 50 g. there is a shedding of berries, and with a separation force of more than 150 g. the berries are poorly separated from the stalk or separated, but with partial damage to the structure, which reduces the quantity and quality of berry picking. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the most suitable for mechanized harvesting are recommended varieties of black currant: Binar, Ocharovanie, Iskushenie, Peek-a-boo, Gulliver, Bagheera. The strength coefficient calculated by us for these varieties is more than 1.5. In addition to the genetics of black currant varieties, the studied indicators of economic and biological characteristics of the collection strongly depend on the growing conditions, nutrients and moisture in the soil. Recently, the evaluation of black currant berries by their biochemical composition has become very important. In this connection, to fully characterize the varieties, we will continue the study of the study of these characteristics with biochemical value in the dynamics of maturation of black currant varieties.

Study of elite black currant varieties selected at the Federal Agrarian Scientific Centre of the North-East

Elite varieties of black currant selected at the Federal Agrarian Scientific Centre of the North-East were studied with the purpose of identifying samples with an optimal combination of high productivity, large fruit, good taste, resistance to big bud mite and powdery mildew. The studies were carried out in 2015–2019 on a site located in the central agro-climatic zone of the Kirov region. 10 elite black currant varieties of 2013 planting were investigated. The varieties of Arkadiya and Vologda were used as control. The counts and observations were carried out using conventional methods. The combination of high productivity, its sustainability and high self-fertility was noted in varieties 71-2-07, 65-1-07 and 64-4-07. In terms of resistance to the pest, two highly resistant samples 71-2-07 and 65-1-07 were identified, which showed no signs of damage during the study period. The damage by big bud mite remained low across the entire experimental site. The average negative effect of big bud mite on the yield was found (r = -0.48). In the following 7 elite forms — 71-2-07, 65-1-07, 70-5-07, 46-1-07, 12-1-07, 15-1-07, 20-1-07 (70.0 % of the studied material), the maximum degree of damage by powdery mildew did not exceed 1.0 points, which indicates their high resistance. The combination of high resistance to big bud mites and resistance to powdery mildew was found in varieties 71-2-07 and 65-1-07. During the study period, 9 elite black currant varieties produced large-fruited berries. Out of these 9 forms, 3 (71-2-07, 64-4-07, 12-1-07) showed significantly higher values of this indicator compared to the Vologda control. Sample 27-1-07 was distinguished by a combination of large fruit, good taste and low acidity, as well as by high contents of ascorbic acid and dry matter. Sources of economically valuable traits were identified in 2 samples: 65-1-07 having a combination of high productivity, large fruit, high self-fertility, good taste, resistance to big bud mites and powdery mildew; 64-4-07 having a combination of high productivity, large fruit and high self-fertility. These genotypes can be recommended as a starting material for further breeding. On the basis of the results obtained, the Ariel variety (71-2-07) was forwarded to the State Variety Testing in 2020.

Influence of freezing on changes in the structure of black currant fruits

Object of research: frozen fruits of black currant varieties Bilorus Sweet, Minai Shmyrev.
 Investigated problem: substantiation of the influence of the method, the duration of freezing on changes in the structure of black currant fruits of different degrees of maturity and pomological varieties.
 The main scientific results: the advantages of fast freezing of black currant fruits in a fast freezing chamber with forced air circulation at a speed of 1.5–2.5 m/s at a temperature of -30 …- 32 °C compared to slow freezing in " Calex " freezers were established at a temperature of -20 …- 22 °C. Rapid freezing forces cooling, freezing and freezing due to a decrease in the temperature of initiation of ice formation, an increase in the rate of heat extraction and an increase in the temperature of freezing.
 The area of practical use of the research results: food industry enterprises specializing in the freezing of plant products.
 An innovative technological product: the technology of freezing black currant fruits, which allows to extend the period of consumption of high-quality fruits with a preserved structure.
 Scope of application of an innovative technological product: nutrition of the population.