Content
Currant Pilot is a chokeberry variety that has been in high demand among gardeners for many years. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the shrub has a pleasant dessert taste of berries, high winter hardiness and stable yield. At the same time, caring for it does not cause difficulties even for novice gardeners. But in order to achieve maximum results when growing Pilot, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics and basic requirements of the variety.
Currant Pilot is suitable for industrial and private cultivation
History of selection
This blackcurrant variety was bred in Belarus, namely at the Institute of Fruit Growing of the National Academy of Sciences in 1969. The basis for it was the forms 2-4D and grouse. The resulting species managed to combine the best qualities of its ancestors. Over the next 16 years, it was constantly improved to achieve stable yields and resistance to adverse factors.
And in 1985, based on the tests carried out, the Pilot blackcurrant was included in the State Register of the USSR.The variety is recommended for cultivation in the North-Western and Ural regions.
Description of the Pilot blackcurrant variety
This blackcurrant variety is characterized by vigorous bushes that are initially erect and become slightly spreading as they mature. Their height reaches 1.5 m, and the growth diameter is about 1.2 m. Young shoots grow 0.7 cm thick, slightly pubescent. Their surface is green, but the tops have a red-violet color. As they mature, the branches of the shrub become lignified and acquire a brownish-gray tint. In this case, the surface becomes matte, and the edge completely disappears.
The buds of black currant variety Pilot are medium in size, elongated, with a sharp tip. They are slightly deviated from the shoots and have a pinkish-gray tint.
The leaves of Pilot are five-lobed, large, and light green in color. The cuts on the plates are small. Their central blade is elongated; it connects with the side segments at a right or acute angle. There is a small notch at the base of the leaves. The teeth are short and blunt. Petioles with a bluish tint, pubescent.
The flowers are medium-sized, the sepals are cream-colored with a pinkish tint. The petals are slightly bent and beige. The fruit clusters of the Pilot blackcurrant variety are elongated and are attached to the branches at an acute angle. From six to ten berries are formed on each of them. Maturation in the hand is not simultaneous.
The berries of the Pilot currant are of a regular round shape, with a thin shiny skin. They are medium in size, the weight of the fruit varies between 1.8-2.5 g. When ripe, they acquire a uniform black tint.The taste is sweet, with a moderate aroma. Variety Pilot – universal purpose. The harvest can be used fresh and also for processing. The fruits retain their consistency well in jam, compotes, and jelly.
The leaves of the bush are also valuable. They can be used to make healing tea, and also added to pickles.
The content of ascorbic acid in Pilot fruits reaches 187 mg per 100 g of product
Characteristics
Despite the fact that there are many modern varieties of the crop, Pilot easily competes with them. This is confirmed by the characteristics of the variety. Therefore, to make sure of this, you need to familiarize yourself with them in advance.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Pilot blackcurrant easily tolerates low temperatures. She is not afraid of frosts down to -30 °C. But in the event of a snowless winter, the shoots may freeze. However, the shrub has the ability to recover quickly.
The pilot does not tolerate prolonged absence of moisture well. Such conditions can cause reduced yields and reduced fruit size. However, with a short-term lack of water, the variety does not lose its effectiveness.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Currant Pilot is a self-fertile variety. Therefore, it does not need additional pollinators. However, close placement of other currant varieties can slightly increase yield.
This species is mid-season. It blooms in the second half of May, and the harvest ripens at the end of July.
Productivity and fruiting
The yield of black currant variety Pilot is high. From the bush you can get 2.5-3.5 kg of marketable fruits. Due to gradual ripening, collection must be carried out in several stages.
The harvested crop requires quick processing. Fresh berries can be stored for no more than three days in a cool room. The variety can withstand transportation only at the stage of technical maturity. It is important that the fruits are packed in boxes of no more than 3 kg.
Ripe Pilot berries do not fall off the bush
Resistance to diseases and pests
This crop variety has average resistance to American powdery mildew, bud mite and leaf spot. Therefore, if the growing conditions do not comply, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment of the bushes with special preparations.
Advantages and disadvantages
A pilot has a number of advantages, which allows him to remain in demand for many years. Therefore, many gardeners prefer this particular proven variety. But despite this, it also has certain disadvantages that need to be taken into account.
The Pilot variety does not suffer from returning spring frosts
Main advantages:
- high, stable yield;
- excellent winter hardiness;
- versatility of application;
- marketable condition;
- High content of vitamin C in berries;
- dessert taste of fruits;
- resistance to temperature changes;
- does not require pollinators;
- has average resistance to diseases and pests.
Flaws:
- cannot withstand prolonged drought;
- not simultaneous ripening of the crop;
- does not tolerate long-term transportation well.
Features of planting and care
For black currants of the Pilot variety, you should choose open, sunny areas, protected from drafts. Planting in the shade will lead to abundant growth of shoots to the detriment of yield. The soil in the area intended for currants should have a low acidity level and have good aeration.
Planting should be carried out in early spring, when the soil has warmed up by 20 cm and the air temperature will remain at + 5-12 ° C. Seedlings should be selected two years old with three or more shoots and well-developed root shoots. They should not show signs of mechanical damage or disease.
Caring for the Pilot variety requires compliance with standard rules of agricultural technology. It is necessary to water the shrub during a long absence of rain with the soil getting wet up to 15 cm. Throughout the entire season, you should regularly remove weeds in the root circle and loosen the soil, which will help preserve nutrients, as well as air access.
It is necessary to feed the bush three times per season. The first time this should be done in the spring, using organic matter. The second feeding should be carried out at the stage of ovary formation, and the third - after fruiting. During these periods, phosphorus-potassium mineral mixtures should be used, which will increase productivity and frost resistance.
The Pilot variety is easily propagated by cuttings
To prevent diseases, you need to periodically spray the crown of the bushes with Bordeaux mixture, and use Fufanon against bud mites. The Pilot blackcurrant variety does not need special shelter for the winter.Therefore, it is enough to mulch the root circle with peat or humus in a 10 cm layer in late autumn.
Conclusion
Currant Pilot is a time-tested dessert variety. Therefore, it can be found in many household plots in the central and northern regions of the country. This species is characterized by stable productivity even in unfavorable seasons. At the same time, it is undemanding to care and is able to show good results already in the second year after planting.
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