Far Eastern currant

Far Eastern currant belongs to the varieties of medium ripening. This hybrid is widespread in most of the Russian territory, including the northern regions, Siberia and the Far East. This article will focus on the distinctive features of the Far Eastern variety currant, its strengths and weaknesses.

Far Eastern brown currant: the history of the variety

Far Eastern brown currant: variety photo

The homeland of the hybrid variety of brown currant Far East is the Khabarovsk Territory. Here the employees of the Far Eastern Research Institute of Agriculture A.V. Bolonyaev, N.A. Bolonyaeva, V.N. and Gorbunov A.B. the crossing of the original varieties was carried out. The parents of the new hybrid are the old English variety "Leah Fertile" and the currant "Taezhnaya", which is widespread in Siberia. Since 1989, the Far Eastern Brown currant has been present in the State Register of Varieties and is approved for cultivation in regions with a harsh climate.

Far Eastern brown currant: description and characteristics

Plant
Far Eastern Brown currant bush is of medium size and density, as well as a slight degree of spreading. Young shoots, as a rule, are straight, colored in a light green color, which, as it approaches the top, acquires an anthocyanin hue. There is no pubescence on the growing shoots. The branches of the Far Eastern currant have a thickness similar to young shoots and a light brown color with an anthocyanin tint. The edge is also absent on them. Medium-sized ovoid kidneys are located singly, at an angle. Like the branches, they are light brown and have no edge. The apical buds are of the free type. The leaf scar has a rounded-wedge shape.

The green leaves of the Far Eastern currant have a five-lobed structure and are of medium size. Their matte wrinkled surface has no pubescence and is covered with waves. The veins are colorless. The central blade has the shape of a wide triangle with additional projections, it is slightly pointed and about one and a half times longer than the lateral blades. The blades located on the sides with slightly tapered tops look in different directions at an obtuse angle. The basal type lobes are weakly developed and have spread veins. An open recess is located in the heart-shaped base of the sheet plate. On the edges of the leaves are wide and short notches with a rounded top. The leaves are attached to the shoots by means of long and powerful petioles, painted in a light green color, with pubescence at the base. The petioles are located at an acute angle to the surface of the shoots.

During the flowering period, the bushes of the Far Eastern Brown currant are covered with large saucer-shaped flowers, pink with a green tint. The average length of drooping, medium density berry clusters ranges from 65 to 85 mm. The peduncles and carpal axes are of medium size and are covered with a short and sparse fringe.

Berries
The berries of the Far Eastern currant variety are large in size, their weight can reach 1.3 g. They are characterized by a rounded shape and brownish-black color. Under the thin top layer of the peel there are seeds in an average amount and sweet and sour pulp. Her flavor profile was rated 4.2 out of 5 possible points. The place of separation of the stalk remains dry, the berries tolerate transportation well.
The chemical composition of the pulp of the Far Eastern currant includes sugar (7%), vitamin C (209 mg per 100 g), vitamin P (up to 805 mg per 100 g), pectin substances (up to 0.6%).

The berries of the Far Eastern Brown currant have a universal purpose and can be eaten fresh, as well as used for making jams, preserves, stewed fruit and juices. Ripening, they hardly crumble.

Features of fruiting
The Far Eastern brown currant variety is distinguished by a rather low self-fertility. For this reason, it shows the highest yield indicators in the case of the presence of pollinators on the site. On average, about 6 tons of berries are harvested from 1 hectare, which, in terms of each bush, is just over 2.5 kg.

Far Eastern currant: reviews of gardeners

• Marina Petrovna, Moscow region: “I chose the Far Eastern currant for growing, because it is one of the most productive currant varieties. It turned out that in addition to good yield and marketable qualities of berries, the Brown Far East currant variety has other advantages. First of all, we are talking about good resistance to winter frosts. In addition, the Far Eastern brown currant demonstrates a high immunity to such a common disease as powdery mildew and to the attack of a kidney mite. In general, from the variety I have only one positive emotions! "
• Irina Vladimirovna, Samara region: “The Far Eastern brown currant has been growing in my garden for a long time. I like the stable rich yields and taste characteristics of the berries. To the weaknesses of the Far Eastern currant variety, I attribute its need for careful care and special attention to the watering regime. The fact is that the berries of the Far Eastern currant ripen at different times, which significantly complicates their harvesting and excludes the use of a mechanized method of harvesting. "

Conclusion

Far Eastern Brown currant belongs to winter-hardy varieties, suitable for growing even in northern regions with harsh winters. If there are pollinators on the site, it brings large yields of tasty and nutrient-rich berries. However, a gardener who decides to grow a variety of Brown Far Eastern currants on his site will have to devote a lot of time and effort to caring for plantings, as well as preventive treatment for fungal infections.