Morphological and biological features of currant-gooseberry hybrid in North-Eastern Russia

This study investigates the initial introduction of the currant-gooseberry hybrid yoshta at the Yakut Botanical Garden from 2019 to 2024. Specifically, experimental plant material comprised seedlings propagated from seeds sourced from original stock at the “Gardens of Siberia” Irkutsk. Morphological, biological, and agronomic characteristics of yoshta were evaluated under the environmental conditions of North-Eastern Russia; these descriptions include leaf, flower, and fruit morphology, as well as overall plant growth form. Furthermore, the timing of key phenophases was established relative to accumulated effective temperatures for the region. While the phenological rhythm of yoshta closely aligns with the early phenological rhythm of native species from Yakutia, the initiation of spring vegetation in Yakutia occurred approximately one month later than reported for yoshta grown in northwestern Russia. Moreover, the rapid seasonal rise in effective temperatures in Yakutia resulted in compressed interphase periods. Thus, although fruit ripening in Central Yakutia and the Komi Republic occurred concurrently from late July to mid-August, initial phenophases exhibited a delay of 20–30 days. Additionally, incomplete apical bud development and insufficient shoot lignification by the end of the growing season were observed, which resulted in partial winter dieback and contributing to a distinct shrub morphology characterized by upright central branches and a sprawling peripheral habit. Regarding plant performance, winter hardiness was rated at 2 points on a standardized scale, and fruit weight exhibited the greatest variability, ranging from 0.69 g to 2.1 g, with a coefficient of variation of 12–30 %. Notably, favorable traits observed under Central Yakutia conditions included a high fruit set rate (75–80 %) and resistance to major diseases and pests. These findings indicate that currant-gooseberry hybrids are promising for cultivation in challenging northern climates due to their yield potential, environmental resilience, and suitability for small-scale horticulture.