Black currant Belarusian sweet

Currently, the presence of a huge number of subspecies of such a berry crop as black currant makes it quite difficult for gardeners to choose for cultivation. First of all, gardeners look at the taste characteristics of berries, the yield indicator, as well as the presence of immunity to pests and various diseases. A subspecies of this culture called Belorusskaya Sweet, refers to just such varieties. In this article, we will consider the Belarusian sweet black currant.

Black currant Belarusian sweet: variety description

Sweet Belarusian currant: photo of the variety

Currant Belarusian sweet appeared at the very end of the last century in NIIKiP, in the Republic of Belarus, by breeding hybrid forms of 2.4 D or 2.6 D. This subspecies included the best qualities of other varieties of culture. But, before letting gardeners and farmers familiarize themselves with this variety, it was first studied for 10 years. In 1979, this culture was entered into the State Register and zoned in 10 regions of our country.

It is worth starting with the fact that the black currant of the Belarusian sweet variety is a rather unpretentious plant, so even an amateur gardener can quite successfully grow it. Experts advise planting these bushes in sufficiently illuminated, open areas, although, being in partial shade, they can also grow and bear fruit well.

The bush of this subspecies is considered vigorous and has medium spreading. Adult shoots are approximately 120 centimeters tall. The culture itself has a round shape and a powerful structure of upright bushy stems. The sprouts at the roots grow annually. Branching begins every year, and in the third year of life, the plant produces its first harvest.

The sweet currant variety has 4 types of shoots: mixed, fruit, bouquet and ringlet.

Young shoots are pubescent, endowed with a matte shade, the apical part is purple-pink. Stems at an older age, lignified, have a gray color and a fairly strong pubescence. Shoots of various ages are considered the basis of the skeleton of this bush. Branches that have reached the age of 8 years should be removed, because fruiting on these stems is rather sharply reduced. You should know that the plant of this subspecies after 15 years of cultivation should be changed to a new one. The root system of young data crops is not very deep, at about 30 centimeters. In mature plants, the roots deepen approximately two meters. This fact should be taken into account when planting a seedling, because the surface occurrence of groundwater can have a very negative effect on the rhizome of this bush.

Black currant Belarusian sweet has a difference in medium-sized thin buds. These buds are elongated, have a pointed apical part, as well as a grayish-pink tint. They are located in various sections of the escape. Buds are flowering, dormant, growth. Due to the growth buds, this bush sprouts with new basal stems. Flowering buds are responsible for fruiting. Sleeping buds are a reserve that helps the culture to survive under extreme conditions.

The black currant variety Belorusskaya sweet differs from other subspecies in its pale green leaves with three or five lobes. The shoulder blade is medium and rather powerful. The surface of the leaf is matte, endowed with a wrinkled structure and waviness along the edges. The denticles along the edges of the leaflet are distinctly residual. The petiole on which these leaves are held is elongated and has a purple-red tint.

The plant of this subspecies is a self-fertile berry crop. The flowers during the flowering period are rather faded, have a yellow-green or light pink color. The inflorescence is endowed with a bell-shaped shape. Each bell has five petals. Each inflorescence can contain both closed buds and open flowers at the same time. Flowering in this culture occurs sequentially, therefore, the fruiting period is extended for this subspecies, as well as the harvest.

A flower brush can reach a length of 7 centimeters. On it, 6-9 berries are formed on average, which are attached to medium-sized stalks. The berries of this subspecies have a round shape, they are quite aromatic and endowed with different sizes (the first fruits are larger in size than the subsequent ones). After tying, the berries have a green tint, then they acquire a brown tint, and by the time they ripen, they turn into a dark purple color. The surface of such a fruit is covered with a rather dense and shiny skin. Each berry can reach three grams when ripe. In the inner part of the berry there are seeds, about 36 pieces. It should be noted right away that it is necessary to harvest this subspecies of currants in a timely manner, because overripe berries have a tendency to crumble. In the chemical composition of such fruits it contains: pectin in the raw mass of about 1.3 percent; vitamin C 138 milligrams per 100 grams of product; titratable acids 1.7 percent; dry matter 15.4 percent; the amount of sugars is 7.5 percent. It is also worth noting that due to the presence of ascorbic acid in such berries, they have a sweet taste, with a bit of sourness.

During the creation of this subspecies of black currant, experts expected that it will be cultivated in 10 districts. To date, the culture of this subspecies is successfully grown in 45 regions of our country.

Black currant Belarusian sweet: characteristics and features of the variety

Before purchasing and planting Belarusian sweet currant, you should familiarize yourself not only with its description, but also consider all the characteristics of this plant. The choice of a variety depends on the level of yield, zoning of the variety, immunity to diseases and harmful insects.

The subspecies in question, as noted by experienced gardeners and gardeners, is able to tolerate a not very long drought period well. As for frost resistance, here the variety has high rates. This culture can easily endure the winter cold enough, mail without damage, provided that the roots of the plant are covered in the fall. But returnable, unexpected frosts can harm the first flowers.

The main reason for the popularity and prevalence of this variety of currants is its high yield. Up to three kilograms of ripe berries with a sweet and sour taste can be removed from a young plant. At a mature age (6-12 years), the bush produces a crop of up to 6 kilograms. Experts do not advise waiting for the berries to ripen along the entire length of the fruit cluster. These fruits should be removed as they ripen, otherwise part of the crop threatens to end up on the ground. The fruits that are at the top can be baked in hot weather in July. This subspecies of the described culture is a representative of plants with an average ripening period. The first ripe fruits begin to take off in the second half of July. In its fruiting period, the plant begins to enter the next year after planting.

This subspecies has a universal fruit function. At the same time, all its parts are considered useful in this culture: both buds, and shoots, and leaves. This culture is actively used:

• For medicinal purposes.
• Used as a spice for pickling cucumbers and tomatoes, and also added to vitamin tea and kvass.
• For the preparation of compote, juice, alcoholic home drinks.
• For making marshmallows, preserves and jams.
• Excellent raw material for baking.

It should also be noted that the berries of this variety perfectly tolerate freezing, they do not lose their beneficial properties and vitamins. Since the fruits are taken off when they are removed without emitting juice, they can retain all their characteristics in the refrigerator for about 7-8 days. These berries perfectly tolerate transportation, due to the fact that the fruits are dense enough, they retain their marketable appearance and do not flow.

This variety of currants is not often affected by diseases of a fungal nature, the same powdery mildew and anthracnose. Even less often, it is attacked by a kidney mite. But aphids are considered the worst enemy and can cause big trouble for the plant.

Like any other plant subspecies, this culture has its positive and negative qualities. The advantages of this subspecies include:

• The fruiting period begins already in the second year of the plant's life.
• The subspecies is self-pollinated.
• Early harvest period.
• Stable yield, as well as its high level, which only increases after the 4th age.
• Excellent taste characteristics that are not lost during storage and transportation.
• The purpose of the fruit is universal.
• Good frost and drought tolerance.
• Can be propagated by layers and cuttings.
• A good level of immunity to some diseases and harmful insects.

The disadvantages of the variety include:

• Unequal sizes of berries on one fruit cluster.
• Uneven aging.
• The possibility of defeat by some diseases of a fungal nature.

There are more positive qualities and features of this subspecies of this berry culture than negative ones. That is why this subspecies rightfully has love and respect among gardeners for many decades.

Black currant Belarusian sweet: planting

There are no special conditions for planting this subspecies of currants, even a beginner can handle this, since the planting algorithm is quite traditional:

• Choosing a place for future growth.
• Preparation of the landing hole and soil.
• Seedling preparation.
• Follow-up care, plus preventive measures to protect against diseases and pests.

Planting sweet Belarusian black currant should be done in early spring, before the start of active sap flow, as well as in the autumn period. Experienced farmers advise planting in the autumn, and they believe that the best time for this is from September to the second half of October. It should be noted right away that this plant should be planted immediately to a permanent place of growth, because it has a negative attitude towards transplants, it has a bad enough effect on the growth and yield of the crop.

When choosing a site for the future growth of this subspecies of currant, the following wishes of the plant should be taken into account:

• The place should not be swampy, and loamy soil is desirable.
• Finding groundwater should be at a depth of at least one meter from the soil surface.
• The plant can also be planted in an open space, but the best option would be between fruit trees, because in hot weather in the openwork shade, the fruits will not bake.

Before planting a seedling, you should initially purchase it, while making the right choice, since the future yield also depends on the quality of the young plant. When choosing a seedling, take note of the following:

• Plants that have reached the age of 1-2 years take root and adapt in the best way.
• The seedlings should be free of traces of damage, insect damage and signs of disease.
• Lignified skeletal roots, 15-20 centimeters long, should be present on the rhizome.
• Shoots should be 30-40 centimeters long.

Before planting a seedling, it must be prepared in advance for this. For this:

• If there are injuries on the horses and stems of the plant, they are removed.
• Before planting, the culture should be soaked overnight in Kornevin's solution, or in plain water.
• Immediately before the planting procedure, dip the roots of the plant in a red clay mash.

Planting Belarusian sweet black currant has no differences and additional features from the traditional planting algorithm of this berry crop:

• Beforehand, it is worth preparing a planting hole for the seedling, which should be 50 by 50 centimeters in size, and the depth should also be half a meter. When planting several bushes at once, a distance of at least one and a half meters is left between the planting pits, and about two meters between the rows.
• At the bottom of the planting hole, a drainage layer is laid, about 10 centimeters.
• Next, you should fill the hole to half of its nutrient mixture, consisting of wood ash and rotted manure, in the ratio of one glass to half a bucket. Pour this composition with water so that the soil settles.
• A prepared seedling is installed in the middle of the planting pit, and at an angle of 45 degrees. The root collar of the plant should be deepened by 5 centimeters.
• The seedling is covered with the remaining soil, compacted and watered abundantly. Next, a layer of mulch is applied so that moisture can remain in the soil.

After these actions, the seedling is trimmed, only 4-5 buds should remain. Do not feel sorry for the shoot when removing, as the strongest and strongest shoots are formed from the buds of the remaining ones, because the nutrients will only be for them.

Black currant Belarusian sweet: care

Black currant Belarusian sweet: photo

In the spring period, water-charging irrigation should be carried out for this plant, in the summer season as needed, during a dry period. About 15 days before harvesting, it is worth stopping watering procedures, as the berries can crack. Also, this culture needs a regular loosening procedure. It is necessary to weed the soil from weeds, because it is on the weed grass that harmful insects that attack this berry crop often settle. Do not forget about the obligatory pruning for sanitary purposes, in the spring and throughout the summer season. At this moment, shoots with signs of disease and dried up are removed.

Along the entire perimeter of the currant bush, it is required to drive in pegs on which the crossbars are attached. In the future, the stems of the bush will fall on these crossbeams. According to experienced gardeners, this variety of currants does not require tying each of its shoots.

In the autumn period, you should collect all the fallen leaves and carry out water-charging watering for the plant. With the arrival of the first frosts, it is worth shortening the upper parts of the shoots by two or three centimeters, covering the rhizome of the culture with compost or humus. In the winter season, mice can attack this bush. Therefore, most gardeners and gardeners, before digging in the roots, pour rodent preparations between the shoots.

Breeding methods

Black currant Belarusian sweet can be propagated by the following methods:

• By cuttings. Cuttings are cut in early spring and placed in a jar. After the formation of roots and the installation of favorable weather, this cutting is planted directly on a permanent place of growth.
• Layers. At absolutely any period of time, you can bend the stem of the bush, pin it with a staple and cover it with soil.After a certain amount of time, the culture will take root. In the autumn, you need to chop off the seedling from the mother bush and perform a transplant.
• Seeds. Quite a time-consuming breeding method. In this case, the seed is purchased in special stores.

Diseases and pests

Although the early Belarusian black currant variety is a fairly hardy plant to diseases and pests, you should not rely only on the plant's immunity. It is imperative to carry out preventive measures. In early spring, this bush is treated with a solution of hot water and potassium permanganate, and also sprayed with special agents. Pollination of the bush with dry wood ash and garlic infusion can help from such a small and harmful insect as aphids. It should be noted right away that stems with signs of disease and damage must be burned.

The most common diseases to which this culture is exposed are: rust and septoria, anthracnose and powdery mildew, striped mosaic and terry.

In order to prevent various diseases, currants are treated with such means as a one percent solution of copper sulfate, Fundazol, Fitosporin, Topaz, Ridomil and others. It is very important that when processing with any chemical preparations, act strictly according to the instructions and only until the moment the fruits begin to set.

Black currant Belarusian sweet: reviews

Black currant Belarusian sweet is considered a rather unpretentious crop that even a beginner in gardening can quite successfully grow. This variety of currants will be quite enough in the amount of two or three bushes, so that your family is fully provided with juice, jam and compote from these wonderful, tasty and healthy berries.

Since this subspecies is quite common and known among gardeners, there are a lot of reviews about it. Here are some of them:

• I have been growing sweet Belarusian black currant on my site for a long time. The first such bush was planted back in the 90s of the last century. Today, I have many different subspecies of this berry culture, but I will never give up this subspecies. Over the years, I planted new bushes several times. I will give one piece of advice: if you want the fruits to be even larger, then plant bushes of different varieties not far from each other.

Victor, Yaroslavl region

• Four years ago I bought a summer cottage. My neighbor gave me sweet Belarusian currant. I planted the cuttings, they all took root well and took root. The next year I took off a few berries. And for two years now, these bushes have been bearing fruit steadily. The fruits are delicious and sweet. I prepare compotes and jam from them, they turn out amazing. And I also freeze some of the berries.

Svetlana, Ulan-Ude

• Unfortunately, I do not have my own site. But I often visit my friends at the dacha. In the period when this culture begins to pour, I always stop near the bush of the Belarusian sweet black currant. I have not tried such sweet berries yet. Friends consistently give me part of the harvest, and my wife then cooks jam from these fruits and freezes them. In winter, it is so nice to open one such jar of a fragrant dessert!

Oleg, Moscow region