USE OF INTERSPECIFIC CROSSES IN GOOSEBERRY BREEDING

Abstract

Data on using remote hybridization (interspecific crosses) with Grossularia robusta species in gooseberry breeding are given. This species is characterized as a source of valuable characters for obtaining hybrids resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spots as well as high adaptability to unfavorable abiotic factors of the environment, i.e. heat and drought resistance and frost hardiness. We have involved this species into breeding since 2001. As a result, F₁ and F₂ progenies of remote hybrids have been obtained and promising selective seedlings have been allocated, which combine a complex of biological and commercially valuable characters (resistance to powdery mildew and leaf spots, high yields, large size of fruit and general high adaptability to abiotic factors of the environment). An analysis was conducted on American mildew and shot hole (anthracnose, septoriosis) sensibilities of 389 hybrid seedlings from 15 hybrid families obtained from distant (interspecific) crosses with the participation of Grossularia robusta species as a paternal parent and mother parent previously obtained hybrid forms from the VNIISPK selection fund, which were characterized by a fairly high level of damage to both American mildew (up to 3 points) and shot holes (3-4 points).