Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) ZAGADKA

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) 'Zagadka'

A resistant Russian variety with high market-quality fruits.

'Zagadka' (Загадка) is a Russian blackcurrant variety, valued primarily for its high resistance to diseases and pests and for producing large, firm fruits with high market value. The bush has a compact, upright growth habit, which facilitates maintenance and harvesting. Thanks to its reliability and fruit quality, it is suitable for both commercial growers and home gardens.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High resistance to powdery mildew, anthracnose, and the currant gall mite.
• Large fruits with high market value and good transportability.
• Compact, upright growth habit that simplifies cultivation.
• Good frost resistance and self-fertility.
• Versatile use of fruits.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Breeder: V. M. Litvinova
• Institution: All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding and Agrotechnology (VSTISP)
• Crossing: ‘Nina’ × ‘Sopernik’
• Registration: Included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 1986.

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium-tall, compact, and dense.
• Shoots: Thick and straight. Young shoots are light green with a reddish tip; woody shoots are brown.
• Leaves: Medium-sized, five-lobed, green, matte, leathery, and wrinkled.
• Flowers: Medium-sized, cup-shaped, with pale pink sepals.

Fruit (Berry)

• Size and weight: Large, with an average weight of 1.2 g (maximum 2.2 g).
• Shape and colour: Round, black.
• Skin: Firmer.
• Flavour: Sweet-tart, with a more pronounced aroma (rating 4/5).
• Strigs: Medium length (6–8 cm) and medium density.
• Use: Versatile – suitable for fresh consumption and processing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good.
• Disease resistance: High (powdery mildew, anthracnose).
• Pest resistance: High (currant gall mite).
• Requirements: Demanding on soil quality; requires regular fertilization and cultivation.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To maintain fruit quality and size, it requires regular pruning and the removal of peripheral branches.
• To achieve optimal yields, it is important to provide high-quality, fertile soil and a regular supply of nutrients.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early.
• Harvest characteristics: Berries have a dry scar, which facilitates picking.
• Yield: Medium, averaging 3.0 kg per bush.
• Self-fertility: Yes, it is self-fertile.