Currant Tamerlane

The plant, named after the formidable conqueror of the medieval era, can be a very good option for growing in the garden and in the garden. However, its features will have to be studied carefully and deeply for this. And it is very useful to pay attention to the key features of the growing process.

Tamerlane was created at the Michurin VNIIS. The project was supervised by breeders Zvyagin and Zhidekhin. They took biological material from Ojebyn and Black Pearl as a basis. The result of crossing these varieties of currants was registered in Russia in 2004.

This is a universal blackcurrant. Its bushes grow tall. Their average spreading is noted. There are both medium and thin shoots. They do not have pubescence, but they are distinguished by a yellowish blush.

Tamerlane's large leaves consist of 5 lobes. They are characterized by a wrinkled matte surface. The leaf blade tilts downward. The edges of the leaves are also bent downwards. The medium-sized flowers resemble a glass, and the length of the cylindrical brushes reaches 5-7 cm.

Tamerlane's black fruits are large. Their usual weight is 1.4-1.6 g. Other features:

• rounded geometry;

• moderately thick skin;

• not too many seeds;

• the concentration of pectins is 2.1%.

Tamerlane has a typical sweet and sour taste. The share of soluble solids is 17.2%. The share of sugars is 9.8%. The titratable acidity index is 3.4% (while the concentration of vitamin C reaches 1460 mg per 1 kg of berry mass). The tasting examination gives the crop an assessment of 4.6 points.

This variety has an average ripening period. Its early maturity is also noted. You can shoot the first berries already in the first half of July. Ripening will proceed evenly. Interestingly, the plant is suitable for mechanized harvesting.

On average, the collection reaches 3.9 kg per 1 currant bush. In terms of 1 ha, the productivity can be 12,900 kg. But this indicator varies greatly depending on weather conditions and the characteristics of agricultural technology.

Currant Tamerlane can be cultivated in the Central Black Earth Region. And also it was zoned in the Lower Volga region. There is no sense in growing it in other areas.

A large amount of light is needed for Tamerlane currants. In open and moderately shaded areas, they develop well. However, with an excessively thick shade, the productivity of the variety will be low. It is necessary to choose areas with fertile light soil, characterized by a neutral hydrogen index.Sometimes a slight acid shift is allowed.

It is very important that the groundwater is at a depth of at least 75 cm. Stagnant water provokes root rot. And also it is necessary to diligently protect the culture from the piercing cold wind. It is recommended to choose seedlings with a branched root system that have 2 or 3 main roots, 1 or 2 shoots. A healthy appearance plays a very important role in the selection of seedlings.

Two-year-old shoots with a height of at least 40 cm are optimal. At least 20 days before planting, you should dig the ground, removing all residues of vegetation from there. The depth of the holes should be about 50 cm. The diameter is the same, and the gap between the individual holes cannot be less than 130 cm. Compost, superphosphate and wood ash are poured into all the holes. Cover this nutrient mixture on top with a 10 cm layer of garden soil.

Planting can be done during the growing season. However, plants planted at the end of August take root as well as possible. Before the procedure itself, the roots of the seedling should be immersed in water for several hours, then dipped in a liquid clay mash. Each planted bush is immediately watered using 10 liters of warm water.

During the cultivation itself, Tamerlane needs regular watering and maintaining a moderate moisture content of the earth around the bushes. Each bush is watered using at least 30 liters of water. Such irrigation is carried out at least once every 5 days, unless there is heavy rainfall. In March, before buds appear, 80 g of ammonium nitrate and 50 g of urea are applied under the bushes. Weeds are removed as they arise.

It is recommended to loosen the soil near the plants to a depth of 5 cm after watering. Mulching the surface is also mandatory. The best mulch is considered to be peat and straw, under which the earth retains moisture for the longest time. In the first decade of June, it is necessary to feed the currants, using 15 kg of humus per 1 bush. When the berries are ripe, the bush is sprayed with a nutrient solution containing small doses:

• iron sulfate;

• potassium permanganate;

• boric acid.

At the end of September, the bushes are fed with mineral compounds. For 1 bush apply:

• 20 g of potassium sulfate;

• 50 g superphosphate;

• 200 g of wood ash.

To prevent the development of diseases and damage by pests, help:

• digging the soil in the fall;

• garbage removal;

• systematic pruning of plants;

• strict adherence to irrigation and fertilization schedules;

• loosening the earth;

• repeated treatment with an unsaturated solution of Bordeaux liquid (with a gap of 10 days).

The high growth of Tamerlane's bushes makes it necessary to cut them off. Such an event allows not only to improve the external shape of plants, but also helps to uniform ripening of berries. In the spring, before the juices begin to move, it is necessary to get rid of dry and deformed shoots. All sections of the cuts are treated with garden pitch. In the summer months, the branches are shortened by 5 eyes to activate branching.

In the last decade of September, formative pruning is needed. Underdeveloped stems must be removed. And also it is necessary to get rid of the branches growing inside the bush in order to maintain the required geometry.

The kidney mite affects the currant Tamerlane rarely, but still dangerous. Most diseases and pests do not cause significant damage to the variety. At the same time, resistance to damage by leaf spot and powdery mildew is noted separately. However, there is still no point in refusing preventive treatments.

The official description of the variety emphasizes the excellent resistance of such a plant to winter conditions. But, of course, it is guaranteed only in the main regions and in areas with an even milder climate. The resistance to heat and drought is not very high - in any case, it is not indicated in the official description.