Blackcurrant Baritone

Blackcurrant "Bariton" bred in 1993 by Altai breeders (NIISS named after M.A. Lisavenko), by crossing the varieties "Poklon Borisova"; and "Triton". As a result, a new variety of early ripening self-fertile currant was obtained. In 2010, "Baritone" was submitted for state testing, and in 2019 – included in the register approved for use in the Siberian region.

Other advantages of the variety: high yield, simultaneous early ripening, excellent taste and size of berries, high resistance to most diseases and pests, versatility of use.

Varie Features

Plant

Baritone bushes medium-sized, semi-spreading, rather compact, do not take up much space on the site. Suitable for both single and group border plantings. Shoots are smooth, slightly thickened, curved, hairless. Young branches – green, ripe – turn brown.

Currant leaves are five-lobed, large, bright green, wrinkled. Petiole of medium length and thickness.

Buds of standard size, ovoid, pointed, depart from the shoot at an acute angle. Flowers are medium sized, pink. Fruit raceme sinuous, hairless, up to 3.3 cm long.

Fruits

"Baritone" gives berries of medium size – weight   ranges from 1.9-2.4 gr. Currant skin is dense, rich black, glossy. Pulp – juicy, fragrant, refreshing, with a medium amount of seeds.

The taste of berries is sweet and sour, dessert (tasting score – 4.1 points). Currant «Bariton» delicious jams, preserves, compotes, juices are obtained. Tasting assessment of jam – 4.8 points; compote – 4.5.

Thanks to the "dry" detachment, high keeping quality and transportability, the variety is suitable for sale in "fresh markets". Also, the berry lends itself perfectly to freezing – when defrosted, it retains its shape and useful properties.

Yield

 "Baritone" – variety of early simultaneous ripening. Bushes bloom in the third decade of May, bear fruit in June – the first half of July. Depending on climatic conditions, the dates may be shifted by 1-2 weeks.

The variety begins to bear fruit in the second year of planting. According to state tests, the average yield of currant "Bariton" is – up to 3 kg per bush, up to 72.3 centners per hectare.

Growing conditions

Climate: Blackcurrant «Bariton» – frost-resistant. According to tests in the winter of 2000-2001. the variety withstood the temperature minimum – 46°C. Also, during the tests, the variety confirmed such qualities as drought and heat resistance.

Soil: Currant Baritone is able to develop and produce crops on almost any soil, but will respond more effectively to slightly acidic or neutral, fertile soil. Also, when choosing a site, it is important to pay attention to the "bogging"; terrain and the height of the groundwater.

Light: The variety prefers well-lit areas without drafts. Short shading during the day is acceptable.

Resistance to diseases: According to the variety testers, "Bariton" demonstrates high resistance to powdery mildew, bud mites, gall aphids, rowan grouse, and is slightly affected by anthracnose. However, at the first manifestations of diseases, it is necessary to treat the plant with appropriate preparations.

Selecting planting material

Before you buy blackcurrant seedlings "Baron", pay attention to:

• The state of the root system. It should have 3-5 main healthy and elastic roots – at least 20 cm long, with many small fibrous processes. No signs of drying, decay, diseases, pests.
• Appearance of healthy shoots – well-developed stems in the amount of 2-4 pieces, at least 50 cm long. Bark without signs of dryness, cuts, breaks, unnatural spots.
• Age of seedlings – 2-3 year old plants are best suited for planting. They adapt faster and grow in a new place.

Tip: You can check the elasticity of the roots of seedlings by wrapping them several times around your finger. Healthy, wet roots do not break when twisted, and dry ones crack in several areas.

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

Preparations