Recent findings in ecology, yielding biology, propagation, cultivation, pest and disease control, yield quality, and chemical composition of red and white currants are reviewed. Main breeding objectives and genetic resources for breeding are briefly described. Descriptions of a wide range of red and white currant cultivars are discussed in the accompanying article.

ISHS VIII International Rubus and Ribes Symposium STABILITY OF ANTHOCYANINS AND ASCORBIC ACID IN RASPBERRY AND BLACKCURRANT CULTIVARS DURING FROZEN STORAGE

Three cultivars ‘Zefyr’, ‘Honoeoye’ and ‘Polka’ were grown on beds mulched with black plastic or without it, as well as in low tunnels covered by transparent polyethylene film or Agronet (Pegas agro, 17 g·m ^-2 ), or without covering. The quality of fruits determined by content of ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, soluble solids, total content of phenolics and anthocyanins, antiradical activity, and radical scavenging activity (RSA) was evaluated during two seasons. Significant differences in phytochemical contents within strawberry cultivars, production seasons and cultivation methods were stated. Cultivar had the greatest influence on the content of ascorbic acid, total phenolics and RSA among all the studied factors. The amount of anthocyanins was mainly influenced by plant covering, while the annual climatic conditions had the greatest impact on the amount of titratable acidity and soluble solids. Soil mulching had the lowest influence on the chemical content of fruits.

ISHS IX International Rubus and Ribes Symposium VOLATILE COMPOSITION OF BLACK CURRANT CULTIVARS