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

Abstract

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.