The Dobrynya currant variety, despite its name, does not have high growth rates. The bush benefits from others - its ability to produce a large harvest, its performance is impressive, which is why gardeners are increasingly giving preference to Dobrynya. The bush produces unusual berries, with a characteristic purple hue; the fruit has a pleasant taste, with the sourness inherent in currants.
- Description and characteristics of the Dobrynya variety
- Productivity
- Ripening time
- Berry size and taste
- Taste qualities
- Bush size
- Frost resistance
- Disease resistance
- Pros and cons of currants
- Features of planting and growing
- Site preparation
- Rules for choosing planting material
- Step-by-step planting instructions
- Nuances of caring for currants
- Watering
- Top dressing
- Preparing for winter
- Pests
- Diseases
- Collection and storage
Description and characteristics of the Dobrynya variety
To get an impression of a culture, it is worth studying its parameters, from general indicators to specific nuances.
Productivity
It is believed that the variety has a high yield indicator; it is considered a leader, since, on average, it is possible to obtain up to 2 kilograms of fruit from a bush.
If all conditions are met, but the bush is grown in the middle zone, the yield rate decreases and reaches 1.6 kilograms of berries per bush.
Ripening time
The variety is classified as mid-season, but in the process of ripening the berries, much depends on the region in which the currants grow. A description of the ripening dates can be displayed as follows:
- If the plant grows in the middle zone, then at the end of June you can expect fruit from it.
- When a gardener lives in a warm region with a pliable climate, the berries ripen earlier.
- If the bush grows in unfavorable climatic conditions, the fruits will appear closer to August, at the end of July.
In many ways, the indicator depends on the climate, but also on the care that is provided for the currants. It is difficult to influence it, but if there is sun and sufficient humidity is maintained, you can wait for early fruits.
Berry size and taste
You can describe the size of the berries in one word - “heroic” - the figure reaches 6 grams, but these are large fruits; berries weighing 3-4 grams are considered average in size.
The taste characteristics of the fruits are excellent; the berries of the Dobrynya variety received a tasting score of 4.9 points.
Some more useful information about fruits:
- differ in oval shape;
- with a characteristic dark shade;
- cutting or scrapping - dry;
- there is a slight glossy shine;
- the presence of a “gun” is acceptable.
Taste qualities
The characteristic taste of blackcurrant is with a light, pleasant sourness. Tart and aromatic fruits are suitable for making preparations, and they can also be easily eaten, enjoying a pleasant taste.
Attention! In appearance, currants resemble olives, only dark, with a purple tint.
Bush size
This variety of black currant, although called Dobrynya, is not large in size. The bush reaches one and a half meters in length. This is considered a completely normal indicator. There are spreading bushes that also do not differ in height.
Frost resistance
The plant, despite its love for warm climates, tolerates frost well. He is not afraid of frosts of minus 25 degrees. If there are sharp temperature changes in the region, then the currants may die and “freeze.” Dobrynya is classified as a frost-resistant variety that can withstand drought well and is not afraid of spring frosts.
Disease resistance
Currant bushes have relatively good immunity, which suggests their resistance:
- To powdery mildew.
- To the kidney mite.
- Not very good for anthracnose and other fungal diseases.
You will also have to regularly treat the bushes against aphids. Summer residents advise carrying out similar procedures with Actofit.
Pros and cons of currants
The variety can have both disadvantages and advantages, which is understandable, despite the excellent yield indicators.
Let's consider the main advantages of culture:
- high yield - from 1 hectare it is possible to collect up to 20 kilograms of currants;
- the variety has good frost resistance, average immunity, and is resistant to diseases and pests;
- the taste characteristics of the fruit should also be regarded as an advantage;
- the ability of berries to reach full maturity in mid-June, earlier in hot climates.
According to breeders, the variety is ideal for Central Russia, since the climatic conditions of this zone allow for a large harvest to be harvested during the season and obtained relatively early.
But, in addition to the advantages described above, we should not forget about the existing disadvantages of currants:
- The berries ripen unevenly, due to which you will have to harvest in several stages.
- Reproduction is fraught with certain difficulties; seedlings take root poorly. The percentage is low.
- The variety does not tolerate stressful situations well, despite the suitable climate in Ukraine; when planting currants in this region, massive attacks are observed.
- The short stature of the bush is also reproached by Dobrynya, but only by some breeders.
It’s a pity that there were some shortcomings, but they are completely offset by the advantages of the blackcurrant variety.
Features of planting and growing
To understand what currants need, let’s list its basic needs:
- germination time - begins to bear fruit in the second year after planting;
- Requires regular feeding and pruning.
In the first year, only dry branches are pruned, then rejuvenating pruning is carried out. The bushes are planted side by side, leaving a gap of 0.8-1 meter between them. This “thickness” compensates for the short stature and improves the yield of the variety.
Site preparation
If you decide to plant Dobrynya, then it is recommended to carry out similar procedures in mid-September. The soil requires special preparation; it must settle on its own and press down on the root system, which is considered weak.
Rules for choosing planting material
You will have to inspect the bush to make sure there are no signs of disease. Before planting, it is recommended to keep the roots in a solution of a drug that stimulates the growth of the plant’s root system.
Step-by-step planting instructions
What should a gardener do if he wants to optimize the planting process:
- Add 4-5 kilograms of humus into the hole; you can use compost or wood ash.
- Compact the soil in the area of the root system, without causing serious damage to the hairs.
Nuances of caring for currants
There are several tricks that will help Dobrynya “get accustomed” and please the summer resident with a good harvest.
Watering
After planting and completion, the plants are watered daily, which will increase the chances of survival of the bushes.
Top dressing
Various fertilizers are used as fertilizing:
- Every year you will have to apply fertilizers, both organic and mineral;
- Before planting, add humus, compost or wood ash to the hole; you can also use any organic complex.
A standard shrub is a kind of tree with independent branches. It is recommended to fertilize such varieties of berries annually, otherwise their yield will drop.
Preparing for winter
It is recommended to carry it out if you live in a region that does not have a warm climate. What to do:
- Bend the shoots to the ground, sprinkle them a little with dry soil, cover them with branches, leaves, and grass.
- After the first frost, in early November, wrap each branch with agrofibre or other material that retains heat.
Pests
Let's look at the pests that can infect Dobrynya currants:
- if a bud moth “covets” a bush, then there is a high probability that it will die;
- caterpillars - feed on leaves;
- Sawfly larvae cause serious harm; located on the lower leaves;
- Don’t forget about aphids, they will have to be treated.
Diseases
In many ways, the likelihood of blackcurrant becoming infected with fungal diseases depends on compliance with the rules of caring for it.
What diseases may a gardener encounter when growing this variety:
- Terryness.
- Glass rust.
- Septoria.
The first disease is considered infectious, and the second and third are fungal diseases.
Collection and storage
The harvest will have to be done in several stages, which is considered a characteristic feature of the variety. The berries do not crack when picked, and they tolerate transportation and storage well.
Information: it is believed that this variety of currants does not require pollinators, but in order for the yield to be higher, it is desirable to have several varieties of this plant on the site.
When choosing a suitable type of currant, pay attention to Dobrynya, since this variety of crop has good characteristics and is in demand among gardeners. And all this despite the presence of disadvantages and the need for specific care.