Selection of blackcurrant accessions for suitability for mechanized harvesting in the conditions of the Middle Urals

A study of selected blackcurrant seedlings bred in the Urals was conducted in the Sverdlovsk region (Middle Urals), and the most promising cultivars for mechanized harvesting were identified. The study subjects were 29 selected blackcurrant seedlings bred by the Sverdlovsk Breeding Station of Horticulture (planted in 2019, spaced 3x1 m). The studies were carried out from 2021 to 2024 according to generally accepted methods. Survey and measurement results were compared with the corresponding values of the cultivar model suitable for mechanized harvesting. Thirteen selected seedlings met the required bush height (110–130 cm). Most of the studied accessions met the specified parameters for bush width (110–130 cm) and basal diameter (20–25 cm), the number of lodged branches (less than 5%), and branch diameter (8–20 mm). An acceptable branch angle (20–60º) was found in 21 variety accessions. Fourteen accessions met the requirements for average berry weight (1.5–1.9 g). Optimum berry crushing force values (237–660 g) were observed in almost all of the studied hybrid seedlings, with two exceptions. Eight selected seedlings met the model parameters for berry detachment force (50–71 g). According to the results of the assessment of suitability for mechanized harvesting, the selected black currant seedlings 1-2-2-14-18 and 1-2-6-14-18 obtained from open pollination of the ‘Rada’ cultivar had optimal values in all parameters, with excellent rooting by green cuttings.