Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) YADRENAYA

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) 'Yadrenaya'

A Siberian variety with extremely large fruits.

'Yadrenaya' (Ядрёная) is a Siberian blackcurrant variety that is world-renowned for its extremely large fruits, which are among the largest of all. Some berries can reach a weight of up to 7.8 grams. In addition to its record size, it is characterized by an early entry into bearing, high yield, and resistance to frost and the currant gall mite. The flavour is distinctly tart and refreshing, making it particularly suitable for processing.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extremely large fruits (average 2.5 – 5.5 g).
• Early entry into bearing and high yield.
• High frost resistance.
• Resistance to the currant gall mite and powdery mildew.
• Fruits do not drop.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Breeder: L. N. Zabelina
• Institution: Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia M. A. Lisavenko
• Crossing: (‘Dikovinka’ × ‘Bradthorpe’) × ‘Lyubimitsa Altaya’
• Registration: Included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2000.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth and habit: Medium-vigorous (up to 150 cm), sparse, compact.
• Shoots: Medium-thick to thick, straight. Young shoots are green; woody shoots are dark brown.
• Leaves: Medium-sized, five-lobed, dark green, glossy, wrinkled, and blistered.
• Flowers: Medium-sized, cream-coloured with a pinkish tint.

Fruit (Berry)

• Size and weight: Very large, with a weight of 2.5 – 5.5 g (exceptionally up to 7.8 g).
• Shape and colour: Oval to plum-shaped, black, slightly glossy.
• Skin: Thick, firm, and fleshy.
• Flavour: Tart, refreshing (rating 4.3/5).
• Strigs: Long (up to 8 cm), with 6–12 berries.
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: High.
• Disease resistance: Resistant to powdery mildew. In years with high infection pressure, it is susceptible to anthracnose.
• Pest resistance: Resistant to the currant gall mite.

Cultivation Recommendations

• The bush tends to age quickly, so regular rejuvenation pruning is important to maintain vitality and fruit quality.
• In wet years, preventive protection against anthracnose is advisable.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-late (late July - August).
• Harvest characteristics: Fruits do not drop and have a dry scar.
• Yield: High, averaging 2.5 kg per bush.
• Self-fertility: Yes, it is self-fertile.