Content
Kupalinka currant is a chokeberry variety that has proven itself to be winter-hardy and productive. The popularity of this species among gardeners is also due to its high resistance to diseases and pests. But in order to achieve the declared productivity of a variety, it is necessary to study its characteristics and pay attention to the rules of agricultural technology.
Kupalinka currants are intended for home garden cultivation.
History of selection
This species was obtained in Belarus, namely at the Minsk Institute of Fruit Growing. Kupalinka currant is the result of open pollination of the Minai Shmyrev variety. This happened in 1985. Its authors: A. G. Voluznev, N. A. Zazulina, A. F. Radyuk.
In 2002, Kupalinka Currant was included in the State Register based on the results of tests. The variety is recommended for cultivation in the Central region, where it showed maximum productivity.
Description of the Kupalinka currant variety
This type of culture is characterized by vigorous, slightly spreading bushes. Plant height reaches 1.7-1.9 m.The crown of the Kupalinka currant is medium dense. Growing shoots of the bush are initially directed upward. They are hairless, rich green in color, with uneven anthocyanin on the surface. The diameter of young branches is 0.7-1 cm.
As they mature, the shoots become woody, become brownish-gray in color, and the surface becomes dull. The buds of the Kupalinka currant are elongated, green, with a pointed tip. They are located parallel to the branches. The apical bud is large, cylindrical in shape and with a loose structure. Next to it is another one, but much smaller. The leaf scar of the Kupalinka currant is rounded.
The leaves are five-lobed. The central segment is wide, much longer than the others, with a sharp apex. This part is folded along the central vein. The surface of the plates is wrinkled and shiny. The lateral segments are pointed and are located at right angles to the central one. Their lower part is beveled. The basal segments on the leaves of Kupalinka are well defined, pointed, and the cuts between the lobes are deep. There is an open recess at the base of the plates. The teeth on the leaves are small and serrated. Petiole of medium length with anthocyanin.
The flowers are large, pinkish-green in color. The pistil in them is located lower than the stamens. Fruit clusters are elongated. Each of them produces 8-12 berries. The peduncle is green and short.
The berries are medium in size, weighing 0.95-1.4 g. They have a round shape and become black in color when ripe. The skin is thin, dense, and you can feel it a little when eaten.The pulp is juicy and contains an average number of seeds. The taste of the Kupalinka currant fruit is sweet and sour. The harvest is suitable for fresh consumption and further processing. Therefore, the variety is considered universal.
Fruit clusters of Kupalinka currants are loose
Characteristics
This variety is especially popular among gardeners. This is explained by the fact that its characteristics are superior to many types. And even in the most unfavorable years, it retains its productivity with proper care.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Kupalinka currant easily withstands short-term lack of moisture in the soil. In this case, the ovary is completely preserved on the bush. But if there is no rain for a long time, the plant needs to be watered regularly.
This variety has high frost resistance. The shrub can withstand temperatures down to -30°C. Mature bushes do not need special shelter for the winter.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Kupalinka is a medium-ripening variety. The flowering period begins at the end of May and lasts about ten days. This variety does not need pollinators as it is self-fertile. The ovary level is 75%. The berries ripen in mid-July. The crop does not shrink and does not suffer from direct sunlight.
Productivity and fruiting
Kupalinka is a high-yielding crop variety. From an adult bush you can collect up to 3.5-4 kg of fruit. The plant begins to form berries from the second year after planting. But the bush shows maximum performance at the age of 5-6 years. The ripening of berries in the cluster is not simultaneous, so harvesting must be carried out in several stages.
The collected berries can be stored in a cool room for three to five days without loss of commercial quality. Also, the Kupalinka crop easily tolerates transportation in the first days after harvest.
Resistance to diseases and pests
This variety has high natural immunity. Kupalinka is not very susceptible to powdery mildew and bud mites. But the variety is susceptible to leaf spots. Therefore, to maintain the high resistance of the shrub, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment with fungicides and acaricides twice a season.
Advantages and disadvantages
Black currant Kupalinka has a number of advantages, so this variety is unable to get lost among other species. But it also has certain disadvantages that need to be taken into account when growing it.
Berries do not fall off the bush when ripe
Main advantages:
- high productivity;
- excellent taste;
- marketability;
- frost resistance;
- versatility of application;
- immunity to powdery mildew, bud mite;
- self-fertility;
- stable fruiting.
Flaws:
- small fruits;
- berries may crack if exposed to high humidity;
- susceptibility to leaf spots.
Features of planting and care
For this variety of currant, you need to select sunny, open areas, protected from drafts. With a lack of light, the shrub grows foliage to the detriment of the ovary. Planting is recommended in early spring or autumn.
In the first case, it is necessary that the ground thaws by 20 cm, and the air temperature remains within + 9-12 ° C. Such conditions promote rapid rooting.In the second case, the procedure must be carried out in September. Delaying the deadlines is unacceptable, since the seedling must have time to adapt to the new location before the arrival of frost.
Kupalinka currants should be grown on loamy and sandy loam soil with low acidity. In this case, the groundwater level in the area must be at least 0.6 m.
Further care of the bush does not involve complex actions. Kupalinka currants need to be watered 1-2 times a week during dry periods. To do this, you should use settled water.
Throughout the season, it is necessary to regularly remove weeds in the root circle, and also loosen the soil after each moistening. This will preserve nutrients in the soil and improve its aeration.
Kupalinka currants need to be fed twice throughout the growing season. The first time you should add organic matter in the spring, and the second time you should use phosphorus-mineral mixtures after fruiting.
Kupalinka currant bush can grow in one place for up to 30 years
Every spring you need to clear the bush of broken and damaged branches. And at the age of eight years, cut it off completely at the base for rejuvenation.
Conclusion
Kupalinka currant belongs to the category of varieties with high and stable yields. Therefore, many gardeners prefer to grow it on their site, even despite the small berries. The high popularity of this variety is due to its undemanding care and growing conditions.
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