Currant Prima

Engineering approach to blackcurrant breeding

The 'Prima' cultivar, developed by the Federal Research Center for Horticulture, represents a targeted solution to pathogen management in both commercial and private orchards. The primary technical challenge during development was achieving immunity to a key triad of fungal diseases: anthracnose, septoria, and powdery mildew. This inherent resistance significantly reduces the need for chemical fungicide applications, simplifying farm management and lowering production costs.

Canopy architecture and harvest logistics

The compact growth habit is a critical parameter for intensive cultivation systems. The vertical orientation of the branches ensures:

• Optimal airflow within the canopy, which serves as a secondary barrier against fungal development.
• Increased efficiency for mechanical soil cultivation and fertilization.
• Higher planting density without sacrificing light exposure per square meter.

A key technical feature of 'Prima' is its fruit physiology. High transportability is achieved through the structural density of the berry skin and the dry fruit detachment. This physical trait minimizes post-harvest loss during long-distance shipping and ensures the produce maintains its marketability, making it an ideal choice for the fresh fruit market.