New variety of sweet-berry honeysuckle Khatan for the Baikal region

Abstract

The research goal was to develop a sweet-berry honeysuckle variety with a complex of economic characters. The Khatan sweet-berry honeysuckle variety was developed using an analytical breeding method considered one of the most effective in modern practice. The breeding number 3-7-10 was assigned to this variety. The varieties Gerda and Berel were used as parental forms. The variety was developed by Natalya A. Vasileva and Nadezhda K. Guseva. The research to develop the new Khatan sweet-berry honeysuckle variety was conducted from 2019 through 2024. The new variety has a medium-sized, moderately spreading bush. The shoots are medium-length and straight; they are light green, matte and plain. The buds are also medium-sized, pointed at the tip, and light brown with a slight reddish tint. The leaves are elongated-oval and entire. The flowers are large and pale yellow. The berries are large, elongated-oval, and dark blue with blue efflorescence. The flavor is sweet and sour, delicate, and aromatic. The research showed that the new Khatan sweet-berry honeysuckle variety was highly adaptable and resilient to a range of adverse environmental factors. Under testing conditions, the variety demonstrated stable growth and good plant health throughout the entire observation period. The Khatan variety yields 3.2 kg of berries per bush with an average berry weight of 1.1 g which is by 0.2 g higher than the control values. The transportability of the berries is medium. The variety is suitable for all purposes. The berries are rich in biologically active substances. This variety is suitable for commercial processing. The fresh berries received a tasting score of 5.0 points. Following years of research, the new Khatan sweet-berry honeysuckle variety will be submitted for State Variety Testing.