Currant Rachnovskaya (Early Smolyaninova)

Mid-early maturing variety, developed at VSTISP through interspecific crosses (parental forms unknown). Breeders: N.K. Smolyaninova, V.M. Litvinova. Since 2002, included in the State Register of Selection Achievements approved for use in the Northwestern and Middle Volga regions.

Medium-height, loosely branched, medium-density bush. Non-woody stems of medium thickness, straight, light-green with brown-red "tan"; slightly hairy. Woody stems of medium thickness, gray-brown. Buds on stems, solitary, elongated, large, pointed at the apex, gray-brown, hairless, pressed against the stem. Terminal bud not free. Leaf scars wedge-shaped.

Leaf five-lobed, medium size, green, round. Leaf blade heavily hairy underneath, wrinkled, weakly shiny, herbaceous, slightly concave along main veins. Leaf margin teeth are sharp, short, with barely noticeable "tips". Central lobe larger than lateral ones. Lateral lobes short, closely spaced, blunt, angle between lateral lobe veins acute. Basal lobes poorly developed. Base notch varies from small to straight. Petiole medium length and thickness, hairless, green.

Flowers medium size, cup-shaped, inconspicuous perianth. Sepals yellow-green, with magenta streaks, touching. Inflorescences medium (7.6–7.0 cm with petiole), dense. Axis thick, hairless, petiole medium length.

Berries medium (average weight 0.6 g, maximum 1.0 g), red, veined, flattened at poles, dry detachment. Moderate seed count, small seeds. Taste sour-sweet, score 4.0, berries of universal use. Receptacle small, does not fall off, closed. Peduncle medium length, green, hairless. Chemical composition of berries: total sugars — 5.9%, titratable acidity — 3.6%, ascorbic acid — 44.0 mg/100 g.

Self-fertile, yield 11.6 t/ha (4.8 kg/plant), winter-hardy, resistant to diseases and pests.

Advantages of the variety: high yield, field resistance to pests and diseases.

Disadvantages of the variety: requires fertile soil.