Gooseberry variety Honey

There is very little information about the Medovy variety, although a large number of gardeners not only in Russia, but also in Ukraine grow it on their plots. The variety is not new, it was eaten away back in the USSR by pollination of the American gooseberry Purmen with a mixture of pollen of European varieties - Industry, Date fruit, Green bottle, Careless. Place of birth - VNIIS named after I.V. Michurin. Among the authors, a well-known breeder - K.D. Sergeeva. The species is not included in the State Register, therefore, its characteristics can be judged only by the scarce official sources and reviews of gooseberry breeders.

Description

The plant is vigorous, but slightly spreading. Height is about 1.5 meters. The branches of the variety are strongly spiked, thorns of a mixed type. Basal shoots are upright, appear in small numbers. Bark with a gray tint. The leaves are not very large, they are rather medium, green. The surface is slightly shiny, with moderate wrinkles. The shape of the leaf is three-lobed, rounded, the notches between the lobes are of medium size. The middle blade rises above the lateral ones, has a blunt, rounded top. The teeth are small, obtuse. The base of the leaf is faintly heart-shaped.

The variety is famous for its large berries, the average weight of which is 4.3 grams. True, in different years, the weight can vary from 3 to 6 grams. The shape of the gooseberry fruit is round or pear-shaped. The skin is thin, the flesh is juicy and tender, with few seeds. Fruits are green, when they reach the stage of consumer ripeness, they acquire a golden or honey color, a slight tan may appear on the illuminated side. According to the assessment of taste, the species is included in the group of dessert varieties. The taste is very sweet, with a honey flavor and aroma, which is why the culture got its name. Based on long-term observations, it was possible to find out that in the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region (Michurinsk), berries contain an increased amount of dry matter, sugars from 9.95% to 17.1% (in different years), which exceeds one of the sweetest in sugar content species - English yellow. Acids - 1.59%. Vitamin C on average 31.6 mg. The amount of pectins and protopectins is 0.57%, fiber is 0.97%. According to the totality of quality indicators (size, taste and chemical composition of fruits) Honey is considered one of the best varieties and is estimated at 4.5 - 5 points.

Characteristics

• Gooseberries ripen in mid-July, but depending on the weather conditions in the region, this may happen a little earlier or later. The period of technical ripeness begins 2 weeks earlier than the consumer;
• yield about 10.8 t / ha, or 4 kg can be removed from one bush;
• the skin is thin, so you need to try to pick the berries at the stage of consumer ripeness with the stalk, otherwise the skin may tear and the fruit will burst;
• frosts down to -30 ° С the culture tolerates well, especially if there is a snow cover. According to studies carried out in the winter of 1986 - 1987, freezing was insignificant and amounted to 1 point. But there is evidence that an uncovered Medovoy bush at -40 ° C can completely freeze out;
• the immunity of the variety is not high enough. Gooseberries are resistant to powdery mildew, berries are affected by 1 - 3%, vegetative parts - by 0.3 - 0.7 points (the conclusions are based on 15 years of research). But this applies only to adult plants, young ones can be greatly affected by this fungal disease. But anthracnose and gray rot can still threaten culture;
• drought resistance within normal limits or slightly higher;

• the plant has a long lifespan - it grows and bears fruit in one place for more than 20 years, of course, subject to proper care;
• the transportability of the crop at the stage of technical ripeness is not bad. Keeping quality, subject to storage standards, can last up to one and a half weeks, while at normal temperatures after 2 - 3 days the presentation of the fruit will begin to deteriorate;
• since the variety belongs to dessert, the way of using the crop is, first of all, in its natural form.But, according to reviews, gooseberry makes an excellent jam - sweet, honey-colored. Compotes are also good, very fragrant, but for their preparation the berries are removed slightly unripe.

Planting and agricultural technology

Choose the planting period taking into account the climatic characteristics of the region. Keeping in mind the innate thermophilicity of culture, choose a sunny, well-warmed place. The bush should be protected from the prevailing winter winds by a structure, a fence or dense decorative plantings. Of the soils, light and fertile loams are preferred for Medovoy. Due to the tendency of a young plant to fungal diseases, the place must be dry, which means that low areas where moisture and cold air accumulate, and areas where groundwater approaches the surface closer than 1.5 meters are not suitable. Be sure to carry out preventive treatments that reduce the risk of disease. If affected branches were noticed, it is better to immediately remove them and burn them. Watering is needed moderate, but sufficient. It is best to carry it under the root, in specially dug watering grooves. Top dressing will help increase the mass of the berries. There is nowhere information about the self-fertility of the culture, but, in any case, another gooseberry bush planted next to it will improve the yield indicators. And a mandatory stage for any variety is pruning. Sanitary is carried out as needed, and thinning is best done in the spring, before the buds begin to awaken.

Honey is primarily appreciated for its beautiful and delicious berries. But when it comes to leaving, the culture may seem too finicky to some. Of course, the plant requires timely preventive treatments, correct pruning, and, if necessary, rationing of the crop. Moreover, sharp thorns block the path to sweet fruits. But, as they say, patience and work will help to cope with any troubles, and the gooseberry will thank you with a healthy and tasty harvest for your attention.