In Belarus, scientists have developed frost-resistant varieties of blackberries, plums and plums

Belarusian scientists have developed frost-resistant varieties of fruits and berries. Such information on the air of the channel “Belarus 1” shared the head of the department of selection of fruit crops of the Institute of fruit growing of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Sergey Yarmolych, writes sb.by.

Since the foundation of the Institute of Fruit Growing of the NAS, specialists have created 255 varieties of fruit, berry and nut crops, as well as grapes. In particular, Belarusian scientists have bred 53 varieties of apple trees, many of which are characterized by high winter resistance.

Sergey Yarmolych noted that the creation of a new variety of apple, pear or plum depends entirely on the genotypes selected for hybridization. The process is long-term - it takes from 15 to 18 years, despite the fact that earlier it took 40-50 years. Significantly reduced time was possible due to the active introduction of modern indirect methods that significantly accelerate selection.

Belarusian scientists for many years engaged in the selection of those varieties that can withstand up to -30 ° C. The best samples demonstrated not only a stable attitude to frost, but also a good yield. The focus is on three cultures that have not previously been seen for winter resistance in Belarus: blackberries, plums and plums.

New varieties are able to tolerate abnormal frosts for the Belarusian regions. For example, alycha in a new quality ceased to be a small berry weighing 10 g - now it is a large full-fledged fruit. Blackberries grow up to 4 cm and can be stored in the refrigerator for more than 10 days, perfectly tolerate transportation and bear fruit well after a harsh winter.

Lyudmila Frolova, Head of the Laboratory of Genetic Resources of the Department of Berry Crops of the Institute of Fruit Growing of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, pointed out that frost resistance or resistance to low temperatures in winter is characteristic of many cultures, including hawthorn, kalina, black currants, gooseberries and other berry crops.

Work with berry crops has been started since 1936. 91 varieties were bred, 51 of them are already regionalized in Belarus, 10 in Russia. And they differ primarily resistance to low air temperatures, she added.