KUNASHIR

KUNASHIR is a late-ripening variety of a berry plant from the Araliaceae family, developed at the Sakhalin Research Institute of Agriculture. The bushes are characterized by a strong-growing and moderately spreading structure: shoots of medium length, straight, green, covered with small scales, without hairs. Thorns are located in the upper part of the shoot, solitary, dark-colored, but their number is small. Leaves are large, green with a silver reverse side, smooth and slightly curved; they have entire-margined, long-tapered forms.

The berries of the KUNASHIR variety are of medium size (up to 2.4 g), bright red in color, cylindrical in shape with a thin shiny skin. The pedicel is about 3.1 cm long, green, and covered with scales. The taste of the berries is sweet without a pronounced aroma, slightly tannic; sugar content is 12.3%, vitamin C – 105 mg/100 g, acids – 0.87%, oil – 13.5%, and carotenoids – 361.3 µg. The sensory evaluation of fresh berries is 5 points.

The culture is distinguished by high yield (about 97 c/ha) and winter hardiness. Bushes are resistant to diseases and pests at the level of standard varieties, which makes them suitable for a wide range of climatic zones. Berries are of universal purpose – they can be used both in fresh form and when making jams, compotes, juices, or confectionery items.