BAKCHARSKIY VELIKAN – a large-fruiting species of edible Schisandra of medium ripening period, bred by the Federal Altai Scientific Agro Center Bakhcharskoye. Bushes are vigorous, reaching heights of up to 1.7–1.9 m and widths of about 1.3 m, with an oval-shaped crown with a loose structure, which facilitates berry harvesting. Fruit-bearing shoots are straight, elastic, and up to 60 cm long on young bushes. Leaves are large, matte, slightly velvety, and dark green in color.
Berries of this variety are distinguished by their large size: average mass – 1.8–2.5 g, length from 4 to 5 cm, diameter about 1.2 cm. Skin is thin, blue-gray with a strong waxy bloom, sometimes a small cavity under the wrapper is present. Flesh is tender, juicy, and sweet-sour in taste, making the berries ideal for fresh consumption, freezing, or processing into wines, juices, jellies, compotes, and jams.
The variety is self-sterile, but to increase yield, pollinators are recommended: Amfora, Gorodst Bakhara, Lazurnaya, Nympha, Pamyati Gidzyuka. Yield ranges from 1.7 to 2.5 kg/bush (maximum – 4.5 kg), equivalent to 8.3–14.9 t/ha. BAKCHARSKIY VELIKAN is characterized by high frost resistance and resistance to diseases and pests, as well as good fruit transportability. It begins fruiting from the second-third year after planting, making it attractive for both commercial cultivation and home gardens.
