The author presents the results of studying of black currant 9 varieties resistance against pathogenic fungi. The most resistant varieties against Sphaerotheka mors-uvae Berk, et Curt are Yarynka, Leleka and Pamyaty Leonyda Mycha- levskogo; against Septoria ribis Desm - Leleka and Govtva; against Cronartium ribicola Dietr - Yarynka, Dochka Vorskly and Govtva.

In the article the authors show outcome of three years observation of blackcurrant varieties bred by Study Horticulture Department NULES of Ukraine for their suitabi­ lity to machine harvesting. Blackcurrant is the most common berry crop in Ukraine. When establishing intensive industrial plantations the varieties suitable for machine harvesting should be used. During 2006-2008 limited and unlimited traits of varieties bred by NULES of Ukraine suitability to combine harvesting were studied. All parameters of the examined varieties were compared against the requirements of the «ideal variety”. Simultaneous ripening of berries was observed in varieties Dochka Vorskly – 93,6%, Hovtva, Pamyaty Leonida Myhalevskoho – 92,6%. The pick off effort required to collect berries out of their clusters for all varieties but Yarynka was within acceptable range of 67...129 g. By effort applied for berries crush only Yarynka has failed to meet the necessary requirements. All the varie­ ties but Yarynka have been found suitable by growth habit of their bush (upright and semi-spread). Insufficient number fruits (6-7 pc.) in clusters for varieties Narodna and Yarynka was noted. Berries weight for all studied varieties ranged within 1.27-1.84 g, their drop-off was 3-8%, duration of harvesting period ranged from 8 to 10 days, so all the parameters of varieties suggested they were suitable for picking berries by berry harvesters. Varieties Dochka Vorskly, Universitetska, Hovtva, Pamyatna, Premiera, Narodna, Leleka and Pamyaty Leonida Myhalevskoho were selected as suitable for combine harvesting by the complex of positive parameters.

The trend for development and spreading of diseases and pests of blackcurrant at Orel region in the conditions of extreme drought in 2010 has been detected. Abnormal weather conditions of the summer and the lack of precipitation limited both growth of host plant and disease spreading. At the background of extreme conditions of 2010 the crop phenophases shifted to earlier dates. The awakening of wintering pathogen structures began in the classic dates of the spring, although in summer their biological cycle went off rapidly. Due to the lack of moisture the disease pathogens failed to fully realize their potential of development and spreading. A favorable aspect of the extreme conditions of vegetation period, the reducing of the protective measures against diseases, is to be admitted. Abnormal weather conditions accelerated the pathogen biological cycles and reduced the stock of wintering infection; meanwhile they provoked colonization of the plants by pests. In extremely high air temperature and lasting lack of precipitation the pests number was intensively increasing, exceeding the maliciousness threshold. Due to the above some additional insecticide and acaricide treatments of berry crops were applied. Thus, the vegetation period of 2010 was described as most favorable for the development and spreading of pests and less favorable for disease pathogens.