White currant Belyan

White currant variety "Belyana" rightfully considered one of the best of its kind. It was bred in 1963 by breeders of the All-Russian Research Institute of Horticulture in Siberia named after I. M. A. Lisavenko by free crossing with the variety "Red Cross", from which "Belyana" adopted a number of positive properties. Currant is included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements.

Varie Features

Belyany bush is medium-sized, 1-1.5m in height, semi-spreading. Shoots are straight, thickened. Young stems are gray-green in color with bright crimson tops, with time the shoots become brown. Due to the average density of the bush, inflorescences and berries receive the dose of sunlight necessary for amicable ripening. "Belyana" has a powerful root system up to several meters deep. Currant leaves are 5-lobed, bright green with powerful petioles. Brushes – medium length, powerful, hang down, bloom with light flowers of a greenish hue.

Belyana fruits are medium in size for white currants, weighing 0.6-2.5 grams. The shape of the berries is round; color – light yellow, transparent; peel – thin; pulp – moderately dense. As in any other currant, thanks to ascorbic acid, there is a refreshing sourness in the white berry, but at the same time it has more sugars, so "Belyana" sweeter than red and black varieties. The tasting mark of the berries of this variety – 4.5 points.

Transportation of "Belyany" almost impossible, because the berries are very tender. The crop is stored for a short time, it is better to process the currant immediately after harvest. From «Belyany» tasty and fragrant jams, jams, jellies, as well as tinctures, syrups and liqueurs are obtained.

The yield of Belyana is about 4 kg per bush. Currant ripening period is average: the end of June – early July. The ripening of the berries is friendly, so the crop is harvested in one go. Pluck white currants along with tassels. Separation of fruits – dry, which greatly facilitates the harvest.

Growing conditions

Currant «Belyana» quite unpretentious to climatic conditions and unpretentious in care. Knowing about the characteristic features of the variety and observing elementary agricultural techniques, you can easily grow it on your site and get a good harvest.

Terms of planting. «Belyan» planted in the fall (end of September - beginning of October), or in the spring, before the start of sap flow. However, autumn seedlings take root better. "Belyana" self-fertile (self-pollinated). There is no need to plant it next to another currant.

Choosing a location. For planting white cassava, elevated areas with low groundwater (at least 0.8 m) are chosen, away from water bodies and easily swampy areas. Excess moisture and poor drainage can lead to the death of plantings.

Illumination. "Belyana" well fructifies, on the open, sunlit and protected from cold winds, sites. In the shade of houses and trees, its development and productivity are greatly reduced. A short shading during the day is acceptable.

Soil. Fertile, neutral or slightly acidic soil is suitable for planting white currants. Lime will help to neutralize the increased acidity. Soil fertility can be enhanced by applying organic fertilizers – compost and ash – when preparing the site, 2-4 weeks before planting.

Planting. For planting white currants:

• Dig a hole up to 0.5 m deep, 40-50 cm in diameter. When planting 2 or more bushes, a distance of 1-1.5 m is left between the holes.
• Peat and humus are mixed with soil, and this mixture is placed at the bottom of the hole.
• Saplings «Belyany» placed in the hole at an angle of 45°, so there is room for the formation of new roots. The soil around the bush is gently crushed.
• Planting is watered abundantly, 2-3 buckets per bush, and mulched with compost, peat or sawdust.
• Immediately after planting, the shoots of the currant seedling are pruned so that 3 buds remain on each shoot. This will contribute to the development of roots and the formation of a bush.

Cutting. Timely and correct pruning of "Belyany" – the key to a good harvest and proper formation of the bush.

Every spring, before the start of sap flow, they carry out sanitary pruning of bushes – completely (to the roots) remove old, dry, damaged and diseased shoots. If you notice the appearance of such branches during the season – they should be removed immediately.

In the second year of fruiting, some of the young shoots are cut out, leaving the 5 strongest. In addition to them, 5 shoots of different years of fruiting are preserved. 15-20 branches of different ages should remain on the bush. The tops of all the remaining stems are pinched.

Rejuvenation. «Belyana» can grow for about 20 years and give a consistently high yield in one place, without transplants. However, the bush must be periodically rejuvenated. To do this, on the 7th year of planting, all six-year-old shoots that bear fruit are completely (under the root) removed.

Irrigation. For several weeks after planting, the seedlings are watered regularly. It is important that the soil does not dry out along the entire length of the roots. At the same time, stagnation of excessive moisture must be avoided. Further, when irrigating, they proceed from the amount of precipitation and the moisture content of the earth.

Avoid dryness during the appearance and ripening of berries. With prolonged drought, the berry ripens slowly and shrinks. It is important to ensure that the soil around the bush is moistened at least 30 cm deep. In the absence of rain for a long time and in the heat, regular watering is organized – 3-4 buckets under the bush.

Feeding. If, when planting, you fertilized the soil well on the site and under the plant, this will last at least 2 years. After the expiration date, start adding top dressing. In early spring, add ammonium nitrate under the bush and loosen the earth so that it droops deep into the soil. After flowering, you can add organic matter: a solution of mullein or bird droppings with the addition of superphosphate. After harvesting, such top dressing can be repeated. Once every 3 years, add two buckets of humus under the bush.

Diseases and pests. Currant "Belyana" has good resistance to powdery mildew and medium – to fungal diseases. Under adverse conditions, it can be affected by septoria and anthracnose. Therefore, it is important to carry out the prevention of the appearance of pests and diseases in time. Use ready-made preparations that can be purchased at nurseries and specialized stores.

Wintering. Currant variety "Belyana" highly winter hardy. In regions with a sufficient amount of snow, it winters well under its cover, at temperatures up to –34°C.  If there is little snow, and the frosts are already too strong, the bushes for the winter can be covered with spanbond, after bending them to the ground. You can remove the insulation in early spring so that the plant begins to grow. It is important to remember that the variety does not respond well to spring frosts. At the time of the threat of their return, you can cover the bush for the night.

Selecting planting material

Seedlings of white currant, like any other, must be of high quality – «alive»  healthy.

Before you buy currant seedlings "Belyana", pay attention to:

• The state of the root system. It should have 3-4 large elastic roots – at least 15 cm long, with many small fibrous processes. Without traces of dryness, putrefaction, diseases.
• Appearance of shoots – well-developed stems in the amount of 2-4 pieces, at least 0.4-0.5 m long. Without signs of disease, dryness, cuts, unnatural spots on the stems and leaves.
• Age of seedlings. Most of all, 2-3-year-old plants are suitable for planting. They adapt faster and grow in a new place.

Beware of fakes! Purchase seedlings of white currant "Belyana" in fruit and berry nurseries and specialized stores. This will save you from disappointment later.

Preparations