Content
Pilot currant is a black-fruited crop variety that has been in high demand among gardeners for many years. Its uniqueness is that the shrub has a pleasant dessert taste of berries, high winter hardiness and stable yield. At the same time, caring for him does not cause difficulties even for novice gardeners. But in order to achieve maximum efficiency when growing a Pilot, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics and basic requirements of the variety.
Currant Pilot is suitable for industrial and private cultivation
Breeding history
This variety of black currant was bred in Belarus, namely at the Institute of Fruit Growing of the National Academy of Sciences in 1969. It was based on forms 2-4D and Siberian grouse. The resulting species managed to combine the best qualities of its ancestors. Over the next 16 years, it was constantly improved to achieve stable yields and resistance to adverse factors.
And in 1985, on the basis of the tests carried out, the black currant Pilot was added to the State Register of the USSR. The variety is recommended for cultivation in the North-West and Ural regions.
Description of black currant variety Pilot
This variety of black currant is characterized by vigorous bushes that are initially erect, and become slightly spreading as they mature. Their height reaches 1.5 m, and the growth diameter is about 1.2 m. Young shoots grow 0.7 cm thick, slightly pubescent. Their surface is green, but there is a red-purple color on the tops. As they grow older, the branches of the bush become lignified, acquire a brown-gray tint. In this case, the surface becomes dull, and the edge disappears completely.
The buds of the Pilot black currant are medium-sized, elongated, with a sharp top. They are slightly deviated from the shoots and have a pinkish-gray tint.
Pilot's leaves are five-lobed, large, light green in color. The cuts on the plates are small. Their central lobe is elongated; it connects to the lateral segments at a right or acute angle. There is a small notch at the base of the leaves. The teeth are short, obtuse. Petioles with a bluish tint, pubescent.
The flowers are medium, the sepals are creamy with a pinkish tint. The petals are slightly bent, beige. Fruit clusters of the Pilot blackcurrant variety are elongated; they are attached to the branches at an acute angle. On each of them, from six to ten berries are formed. Ripening in the brush is not simultaneous.
Pilot currants have regular rounded shape, with a thin shiny skin. They are medium in size, the weight of the fruit ranges from 1.8-2.5 g. When ripe, they acquire a uniform black tint. The taste is sweet, with a moderate aroma. The Pilot variety is of universal use. The crop can be used fresh, as well as for processing. The fruits retain their consistency well in jam, compotes, jelly.
The leaves of the bush are also valuable. They can be used to make medicinal tea, and can also be added to pickles.
The content of ascorbic acid in Pilot fruits reaches 187 mg per 100 g of product
Characteristics
Despite the fact that there are many modern crop varieties, Pilot easily withstands competition with them. This is confirmed by the characteristics of the variety. Therefore, to be sure of this, you need to familiarize yourself with them in advance.
Drought tolerance, winter hardiness
Blackcurrant Pilot easily tolerates low temperatures. She is not afraid of frosts down to -30 ° C. But in the case of a snowless winter, the shoots may freeze. However, the shrub has the ability to recover quickly.
The pilot does not tolerate prolonged absence of moisture. Such conditions can lead to reduced yields and reduced fruit size. However, with a short-term lack of water, the variety does not lose its effectiveness.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening times
Pilot currant belongs to self-fertile varieties. Therefore, it does not need additional pollinators. However, close placement of other currant varieties may slightly increase yields.
This species is mid-season. It blooms in the second half of May, and ripens at the end of July.
Productivity and fruiting
The Pilot black currant has a high yield. From a bush, you can get 2.5-3.5 kg of marketable fruits. Due to the gradual maturation, the collection must be carried out in several stages.
The harvested crop requires quick processing. Fresh berries can be stored for no more than three days in a cool room. The variety can withstand transportation only at the stage of technical maturity. At the same time, it is important that the fruits are packed in boxes of no more than 3 kg each.
Ripe Pilot berries do not crumble from the bush
Disease and pest resistance
This crop variety is moderately resistant to powdery mildew, bud mites and leaf blight. Therefore, if the growing conditions do not match, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment of the bushes with special preparations.
Advantages and disadvantages
The pilot has a number of advantages, which allows him to remain in demand for many years. Therefore, many gardeners prefer this particular proven variety. But, despite this, it also has certain disadvantages that must be taken into account.
The Pilot variety does not suffer from recurrent spring frosts.
Main advantages:
- high, stable yield;
- excellent winter hardiness;
- versatility of application;
- marketable condition;
- High content of vitamin C in berries;
- dessert taste of fruits;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- does not need pollinators;
- has an average resistance to diseases, pests.
Disadvantages:
- does not withstand prolonged drought;
- not simultaneous ripening of the crop;
- does not tolerate long-term transportation.
Features of planting and care
For Pilot black currant, choose open, sunny areas protected from drafts. Planting in the shade will result in abundant shoot growth to the detriment of yield. The soil in the area intended for currants should have a low level of acidity and have good aeration.
Planting should be carried out in early spring, when the soil warms up by 20 cm, and the air temperature will be kept at + 5-12 ° С. Seedlings should be chosen biennial with three or more shoots and well-developed root shoots. They should not show signs of mechanical damage or disease.
Caring for the Pilot variety assumes compliance with standard agricultural practices. It is necessary to water the shrubs in the absence of rain for a long time with the soil getting wet up to 15 cm.Throughout the season, you should regularly remove weeds in the root circle and loosen the soil to help preserve nutrients as well as air access.
It is necessary to feed the shrub three times per season. The first time you need to do this in the spring using organic matter. The second feeding should be carried out at the stage of ovary formation, and the third after fruiting. During these periods, phosphorus-potassium mineral mixtures should be used, which will increase productivity and frost resistance.
The Pilot variety is easily propagated by cuttings.
For the prevention of diseases, it is necessary to periodically spray the crown of the bushes with Bordeaux mixture, and use "Fufanon" from the kidney mite. The Blackcurrant variety Pilot does not need a special shelter for the winter. Therefore, in late autumn, it is enough to mulch the root circle with peat or humus with a layer of 10 cm.
Conclusion
Pilot currant is a time-tested dessert variety. Therefore, it can be found in many household plots of the central and northern regions of the country. This species is characterized by a stable yield even in unfavorable seasons. At the same time, it is undemanding to care and is able to show good already in the second year after planting.
Testimonials
