Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) BAGIRA

Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) 'Bagira' (Багира)

Mid-late Russian variety with high resistance and excellent taste.

'Bagira' is a proven Russian black currant variety bred at the I. V. Michurin All-Russian Research Institute. It is popular for its high productivity, excellent frost resistance, and ability to withstand drought and heat. The fruits are large, black, with an excellent sweet-sour taste.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High frost resistance and drought tolerance.
• Large berries (1.1 – 1.5 g) with excellent taste.
• High yield (average 3.6 kg per bush).
• Early bearing onset.
• Suitable for mechanical harvesting and transport.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Institution: VNIIS I. V. Michurin (All-Russian Research Institute)
• Parentage: 'Minay Shmyrev' × 'Bredtorp'
• Registration: In the State Register since 1997

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium height, moderately spreading.
• Leaves: Medium-sized, green to light green, matte, leathery.

Fruit

• Size: Large, weighing 1.1 – 1.5 g.
• Shape and Color: Round, black.
• Cluster: Medium length (5 – 8 cm), medium density, conical.
• Taste: Sweet-sour, excellent (rating 4.5/5).
• Usage: Universal.
• Nutrients: High content of Vitamin C and P-active substances.

Resistance and Requirements

• Climate: High frost resistance. Resistant to heat and drought.
• Disease resistance: Relatively resistant to powdery mildew and mites (may be more susceptible to mildew in years with high infection pressure).

Harvest and Storage

• Ripening time: Mid-late.
• Yield: High (approx. 12 t/ha).
• Harvest: Suitable for mechanical harvesting. Fruits are well transportable.