Blackcurrant

Ribes nigrum

1. Identification and origin

The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.), belonging to the Grossulariaceae family, is a shrubby species native to Northern Europe and Asia. It is widely cultivated in temperate regions, especially in Northern and Central Europe, where it is valued for its high content of vitamin C and antioxidant compounds. The genus Ribes includes several species producing soft fruits, but R. nigrum stands out for its intense aroma and industrial use.

2. Economic importance

The blackcurrant is used in juices, syrups, jams, pastry, liqueurs (such as the traditional “cassis”) and the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. Countries such as Poland, Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom are major producers. The crop has growing interest in specialised markets due to the functional value of the fruits.

3. Botanical characterisation

A deciduous shrub, 1–2 m tall, with erect branches and palmate leaves, aromatic when crushed. The flowers are small, greenish to pink, arranged in pendulous clusters. The fruits are black, shiny berries, rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C. The root system is relatively shallow, requiring regular moisture.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers cool temperate climates, with cold winters and moderate summers. It is sensitive to high temperatures and prolonged drought. It requires fertile, deep, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It tolerates partial shade, which is recommended in warm regions.

5. Main pests

• Aphids (Cryptomyzus galeopsidis, Aphis schneideri): leaf rolling and virus transmission.
• Big bud mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis): causes bud hypertrophy and loss of production.
• Sawfly (Nematus ribesii): intense defoliation by larvae.
• Thrips (Frankliniella spp.): damage to young leaves and fruits.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): root galls and decline of the plant.

6. Main diseases

• Powdery mildew (Podosphaera mors‑uvae): white coating and deformations on leaves and fruits.
• Anthracnose (Drepanopeziza ribis): leaf spots and premature leaf drop.
• Pine rust (Cronartium ribicola): orange pustules; relevant in areas with susceptible pines.
• Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea): rots in humid conditions.
• Black mosaic virus: reduction of vigour and productivity.

7. General crop management

It includes the choice of cultivars resistant to powdery mildew and the big bud mite, planting in cool and partially shaded locations, annual pruning for branch renewal and canopy aeration, regular watering without waterlogging, balanced fertilisation and monitoring of pests and diseases. The maintenance of good air circulation and the removal of old branches are essential to reduce fungal diseases. Harvesting should be carried out when the fruits reach uniform black colouring and an adequate soluble solids content.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Ribes nigrum – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Ribes nigrum – datasheets.
• Brennan, R. (2008). Blackcurrants. In: Hancock, J. F. (Ed.), Temperate Fruit Crop Breeding. Springer.
• Hummer, K., et al. (2015). Ribes crop development and production. In: Pritts, M., et al. (Eds.), Berry Crops. CABI.
• Keep, E. (1988). Blackcurrant breeding. In: Moore, J. N., & Ballington, J. R. (Eds.), Genetic Resources of Temperate Fruit and Nut Crops. ISHS.