Blackcurrant breeding in Estonia

Breeding of new cultivars has been conducted at the Polli Horticultural Research Centre in Estonia since 1945. The aim of the Polli blackcurrant-breeding program is to produce winter hardy cultivars with high yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and suitability for machine harvest. Traditional breeding methods using cross-pollination and seedling selection have been used in this program. Special attention has been paid to resistance to mildew (Spaerotheca mors-uvae) and to blackcurrant gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis). Thirteen black currant cultivars have been released so far in this breeding program. Four new cultivars: 'Almo', 'Ats', 'Elo', and 'Karri' were registered in 2003 and ten new selections are under evaluation in the actual trials. From the thirteen released black currant cultivars 'Varmas', an early ripening variety with very good flavour was included into the list of recommended cultivars for the Estonian region in 2005. Results of new cultivars evaluation are presented here.