KASMALA

Lonicera 'Kasmala' is an Altai variety obtained through selection by the M.A. Lisavenko Research Institute of Selected Plants (FGBNU FANTSA). Bushes are of medium height, compact and slightly dense, with straight brown shoots and light green ovate leaves. Flowers are small and pale yellow.

The berries of the 'Kasmala' variety have a medium size (about 1.0–1.2 g), round shape, violet-blue color with a strong waxy bloom and thin skin without hair. The taste is sour-sweet, sometimes slightly bitter, with a delicate aroma; they contain 8–10% sugars, 2.2–2.3% acids, giving an SAC ratio of about 3.6. Berries contain vitamin C (15 mg/100 g) and a number of biologically active substances.

The variety is characterized by medium-early ripening, medium yield (≈21.8 c/ha), good winter hardiness, and moderate resistance to drought and heat. Berries tend to drop in dry weather upon overripening, so timely harvesting is recommended. Transportability is medium due to the thin skin.

'Kasmala' is self-incompatible, but for maximum fruiting, cross-pollination with any simultaneously flowering lonicera varieties is required. The variety has undergone multi-year trials and is recommended for cultivation in the Altai Krai and similar regions.